‘No stopping zone’ for motorists in Banff National Park due to grizzly bears

Parks Canada is implementing a new policy for drivers along the Bow Valley Parkway in Banff National Park due to a couple of hungry bears.

The agency says a “no-stopping zone” is in place along a 320 metre stretch of Highway 1A east of Lake Louise, between Baker Creek and Protection Mountain Parkway.

Parks Canada says two grizzly bears are frequenting the area in search of food and people stopping on the roadway to get a look have caused traffic jams.

The agency also warns that motorists stopping “increases danger to wildlife through habituation to people and vehicles,” and the increased vehicle traffic takes away routes for bears to get out of the way of passing trains.

“Stopping is prohibited” signs have been put up along the “no-stopping zone.”

Motorists who stop could be charged a maximum penalty of $25,000.