Bears Wake Up: Popular Hiking Area in Glacier National Park Off-Limits Until Fall
A part of Glacier National Park is now closed to visitors as hungry grizzly bears come out of their winter sleep.
Starting May 1, the Cougar Valley watershed area west of Balu Pass cannot be used by anyone until November 15. This happens every year to keep both people and bears safe.
Prime food sources
Parks Canada explained on Facebook that “This closure is in effect annually to increase public safety, and minimize displacement of grizzly bears from prime food sources.”
Hikers should know that the popular Balu Pass trail (whose name actually means “bear” in Hindi) has special rules too, writes Parks Canada. From July 15 to September 30, you must hike in groups of at least four adults, and dogs are not allowed on the trail.
“Access beyond this point is strictly regulated,” warns Parks Canada about grizzly activity, putting public safety first.
Scientists think British Columbia has between 6,000 and 12,000 grizzly bears living in the wild.
Closed area
Anyone who ignores these rules and enters the closed area could be fined up to $25,000, according to orders from the superintendent of Glacier and Mount Revelstoke national parks.
