Bear sightings force closure of Griffith Woods Park in southwest Calgary

The province is telling people to stay out of Griffith Woods Park in southwest Calgary because bears have been spotted looking for food in the area.

Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement officers have responded to several sightings of a sow black bear and three cubs getting into unsecured garbage and compost bins in Discovery Ridge and Springbank Hill, communities close to the 93-hectare park that hugs the Elbow River on the city's western edge.

"We urge residents in these communities to secure these attractants as bears that have found food previously will often return, increasing the risk to public safety," the department said on its Facebook page.

Alberta Fish and Wildlife relocated another family of bears spotted in the area last month. But with the fall being an important time for bears to store up enough food to survive winter hibernation, officials are trying to avoid having to do so in this case.

Residents in the area are being asked to store garbage in bear-resistant and odour-proof containers, use indoor composting bins, clean their barbecues and take in bird feeders until November.