Campgrounds in Garibaldi Provincial Park have been closed due to an aggressive bear. BC Parks and the Conservation Officer Service have received reports of a problem bear at Cheakamus Lake in Garibaldi Park.
Based on the behaviour of the bear, it is believed to be the same bear that was exhibiting food habituation and aggression last year, the agencies said. Due to concerns for public safety, BC Parks and COS has closed the Cheakamus Lake, Singing Creek, and Helm Creek campgrounds as well as day use access to the Cheakamus Lake Trailhead.
The closure will remain in place (day use and camping) until at least Tuesday June 28, with the areas expected to reopen on Wednesday June 29. The closure may be extended if the bear is not caught within this closure timeframe, BC Parks said.
The Cat Lake recreation sites and lake have also been closed indefinitely since May 27 by the Recreation Sites and Trails BC. The site has been closed due to the presence of an aggressive bear. This bear is actively seeking food from campers and entering tents to acquire it.
Meanwhile, the Owl Lake Trail in Pemberton has been closed due to extensive damage in wet and sensitive areas.
TCee says
Is it truly an aggressive” bear or is it irresponsible human campers and hikers who are careless with the disposal and storage of their food which then entices the bear? And in what way has the bear been “aggressive” – chasing people, pouncing on their baggage or food containers, growling, jumping up and down when barked at by dogs, etc.? Humans are very quick to blame other species, like the bears, or coyotes, or foxes, etc., for “wrong-doing” rather than themselves who actually cause the behaviour.
Bryan says
Agreed. Now the bear will be needlessly killed because of irresponsible, inconsiderate humans.
Vicki says
I agree, that human behaviors are a direct result in animals being attracted. It’s their home we are visiting and we can be rude guests. Remember that a fed animal is a DEAD animal. It’s absolutely irresponsible human behavior in which contributes to this problem. And its unavoidable.