An Ontario couple shared their story of a terrifying encounter in which a grizzly bear followed them down a trail in Alberta’s Kananaskis Country. According to the CBC, the incident occurred on July 19th while the couple was on a short hike to Troll Falls to celebrate their wedding anniversary.
Howard Mah and Lori Arnason were walking along when Mah called to Arnason and told her to stop. He had spotted the grizzly as it descended through a clearing toward the trail just behind his wife. The grizzly noticed them and began to follow, rising up on its hind legs and snorting at them before briefly bluff charging.
The couple continued to walk backwards as the grizzly approached, with the animal bluff charging a couple of times. The bear came within 15 meters, or around 50 feet, at one point. Eventually Mah put up both hands and made himself as big as possible, roaring at the bear to get it to go away. Fortunately the animal finally wandered away.
The Troll Falls Trail area, including the lower portion of Skogan, Troll Falls, Hay Meadows, and the south portion of Stoney Trail, has since been closed in response to the grizzly bear bluff charges. The area is closed until further notice, and visitors are reminded that bears can be encountered anywhere in the Kananaskis Region at any time.
Alberta Parks Grizzly Bear Guidelines:
- Keep all attractants secure from bears including food, garbage, recycling, pet food and any other scented item. Never leave these items unattended.
- Make plenty of noise and travel in groups.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Look and listen for bears and their signs.
- Keep your pet on a leash.
- Carry bear spray. Make sure it’s easily accessible, and know how to use bear spray.
- Learn more about bear safety on our webpage or at WildSmart.
