The area around the Wapiti Nordic Ski Club has reopened after no more bear sightings were reported. An area southwest of Grande Prairie was closed on Monday, September 3rd after a hiker said they were followed by a grizzly bear on the trails for the better part of a kilometre.
Alberta Fish and Wildlife says enforcement officers have been checking the area daily since. There have been no more encounters reported, and nothing to show the bear has stuck around or returned.
“The last call officers received on this matter was late on September 3,” it explains. “An anonymous individual reported that a grizzly had crossed Highway 40 and went east towards Camp Tamarack. Officers investigated and found a pair of black bears pruning a plum tree. These black bears later moved out of the area.”
The province notes that black bears are getting more active in the area around Grande Prairie this fall as they are preparing for hibernation. Residents are encouraged to take precautions when heading into the wilderness.
