BEAR AWARE Bears are out munching dandelions in Kootenay National Park, including this big mama who was wandering around Olive Lake. Parks Canada is asking motorists to be bear aware. Photo by Amanda Nason
A temporary 11-kilometre no stopping zone in the Kootenay National Park has been lifted.
Parks Canada issued the Highway 93 South No Stopping Restricted Activity Order on May 19th and encouraged people to avoid activities in the area after a high concentration of wildlife had been spotted.
On June 9th, the bear warning and closure for two Olive Lake brake checks in Kootenay National Park was lifted.
However, the Olive Lake Day Use Area remains closed because bears have emerged from hibernation to eat dandelions and greens.
It remains unclear whether this closure was to protect humans or wildlife in Kootenay National Park, but The Pioneer suspects its a bit of both.
Parks Canada urges motorists, pedestrians and staff to be bear aware and stay safe until the day use area opens to the public again.
