Injured grizzly prompts warning to users of Bow Valley Provincial Park

A warning has been issued after a collared grizzly washit by a vehicle as it crossed Highway 1 east of Lac Des Arcs.

Conservation officers are monitoring the injured bruin,a seven-year-old male known as Bear 164,but visitors to the area are advised totake precautions.

The warnings are in effect for the Bow Valley Provincial Park south of Bow Valley Park Road, west of the Whitefish day use area, Many Springs Trial and Middle Lake Trail, Middle Lake day use area, Whitefish day use area, Moraine Trail and Elk Flats group camp.

• Bow Valley Provincial Park Advisories

The collision happened around 5 p.m. on Friday.

"The vehicle sustained damage and was undrivable," said Andy Rees, a district conservation officer in Bow Valley Provincial Park."The bear... once it was hit, it got off the road and went down into the woods on the north side of Highway 40 into the park."

The driver and passengers weren't injured.

Because the bear has a radio collar, parks officials are able to track it.

"Conservation officers were able to go out that evening and determine where the bear is," said Rees.

"On [the evening of the crash], because the bear was holed up in some really thick woods, the officers didn't go in because of safety factors. We checked at first light the following day, on Saturday,and the bear had moved, it was up and walking."

The bear was seen again on Sunday and a conservation officer was able to get video of it.

"The bear seemed to be moving quite well. The only issue we don't know of is what type of injuries the bear possibly may have internally," said Rees. "Only time will tell on that."

People visiting wherebearsmight be present are advised to make plenty of noise and travel in groups. Carrying bear spray is also recommended. Pets should be kept on a leash.

Alberta Parks is requesting people to report all bear sightings immediately by calling 403-591-7755.

The bear warning will remain in effect until further notice.

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