Split Lip the grizzly herds tourists on popular Banff trail

Parks Canada is warning anyone on the trails in Banff to carry bear spray after a number of tourists were followed up the popular Johnston Canyon trail Tuesday night by a grizzly.

The large male nicknamed "Split Lip" by locals because of the scars on his face walked through the parking lot and started ambling up the trail.

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"It's unusual to have a bear use that trail [because] it's very, very busy," Parks Canada conservation manager Bill Hunt told CBC News.

Hunt says about 20 people had to scramble to get out of the animal's way, and not one was carrying bear spray.

"Even though you're on a [busy] trail, anytime you step onto the trail in Banff, you can expect to encounter wildlife, whether that's bears, wolves, cougars or elk, and it's always advisable to be carrying bear spray," Hunt said.

Warning signs are now posted in the area.

Split Lip has since been spotted in a nearby valley.

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