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In an alarming incident on 24 June, a woman out for a morning stroll with her dog in Alberta’s stunning Kananaskis Country had a close encounter with a grizzly bear. The frightening event, captured on video by a local guide, has led to increased bear warnings in the area, highlighting the growing risks of wildlife encounters in popular outdoor spaces.
A Frightening Encounter
Jelmer de Blois, a guide from Wilderness Escape Adventures, recounted the unsettling scene as the woman casually walked along a gravel road, coffee in hand, when the bear suddenly appeared nearby. The video recorded by de Blois shows the grizzly gradually approaching, escalating its pace until it came alarmingly close—within mere feet of the woman and her leashed dog.
As the bear circled them, the woman shouted various commands in a desperate attempt to deter the animal, exclaiming “stop, enough, no, hey, go away, bad,” in an effort to assert her presence. The bear, seemingly unfazed, continued to rear up on its hind legs intermittently, creating a tense face-to-face dynamic.
Immediate Response
Fortunately, after what felt like an eternity, the bear finally broke away, retreating into the surrounding woods while still keeping a watchful eye on the woman. She seized the moment to hasten her pace and escape the alarming situation.
Alberta Forestry and Parks responded to enquiries regarding the incident, confirming the video’s authenticity and identifying Mount Engadine Lodge as the location of the encounter. In light of this event, they issued a bear warning for the area, which includes Mount Shark Road and Rummel Lake Trail. The warning detailed that “a grizzly bear exhibited persistent, dog-focused behaviour during an encounter with a hiker and their leashed dog,” and emphasised that the bear approached within approximately one metre.
Rise in Wildlife Encounters
This incident is not an isolated one. Kananaskis Country and Banff National Park, both renowned for their outdoor recreational activities, have witnessed a spate of bear warnings recently. In another concerning case, a family of four bears has been inhabiting a nearby campground. Reports indicate that a camper was compelled to use bear spray when one of the bears managed to tear through their tent.
In response to the increasing frequency of these encounters, Alberta Parks has prohibited tent camping in two campgrounds, permitting only hard-sided campers to mitigate risks. The proactive measures reflect an urgent need to balance outdoor enjoyment with safety.
Closures in Banff National Park
The situation has escalated further in Banff National Park, where Parks Canada had to close a large area frequented by hikers and campers after a black bear damaged an unoccupied tent at a backcountry site on 6 June. This led to an evacuation of all campers from the vicinity, following two additional incidents of tent damage at nearby campsites shortly thereafter.
While no injuries have been reported from these encounters, the closures underscore the serious nature of wildlife interactions and the critical need for public safety.
Why it Matters
As outdoor activities become increasingly popular in Alberta’s beautiful but wild landscapes, the rise in bear encounters serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and respect for nature. Striking a balance between enjoying the great outdoors and ensuring the safety of both wildlife and humans is essential. This incident not only highlights the unpredictability of wildlife interactions but also stresses the importance of adhering to safety protocols in bear-prone areas. Awareness and preparedness are key to preventing future encounters and fostering a safer environment for everyone exploring these breathtaking natural spaces.
