Canmore trail closed after surprise encounter with black bear

A popular trail in Canmore is closed to the public following an encounter with a black bear on Saturday, according to Alberta Parks.

An advisory posted to the provincial parks’ website, says the incident left a person with minor injuries.

Conservation Officer Duncan Baker says it happened on Saturday, when an Albertan was taking in the sights during a trail run near Canmore.

Then, a small black bear appeared from out of the bush, only about two meters away. The bear then bit the trail runner’s forearm.

“There is two puncture wounds and some bruising to the area and then the beyond that this individual went home and treated their injuries at home and then called us after the fact,” Baker said.

Baker says the bear disengaged after sinking it’s teeth into the man’s arm. He also says bear activity around ripening berries in the area is typical this time of year.

“There are absolutely bears living in this landscape and if we travel out of town into their homes it’s likely to run into a bear,” he explained.

In the meantime, Alberta Parks has closed the site of the attack near Canmore, the Lady Macdonald Trail, and has issued a bear warning for some surrounding trails.

As a result, the Lady Macdonald Trail is closed until further notice.

Lady Macdonald Trail is closed to the public following an encounter with a black bear on Saturday, according to Alberta Parks.(Courtesy Parks Alberta)

Other trails in the area are also under a bear warning, including the Horseshoe Loop and Montane Trail.

Grotto Mountain, Johnny’s Cougar Creek, and Meander Trails are also under bear warnings until further notice.

Parks Alberta says there are things you can do to avoid finding yourself in an encounter with a bear. This includes travelling in groups, making noise, and keeping bear spray handy.