Hungry bear rips outdoor dining tent in Banff National Park campground

BANFF – A hungry black bear that tore an outdoor dining shelter in search of an easy snack forced the closure of a campground on the Icefields Parkway in Banff National Park to tents and tent-trailers.

Parks Canada officials say only hard-sided trailers are permitted at Rampart Creek campground, located about 90 kilometres north of Lake Louise, after a black bear tore into a dining shelter on Aug. 3. The restricted activity order is in effect until further notice,

“It is not known to Parks Canada if this bear received any food rewards. There were scent attractants in the shelter,” said Annie MacNeil, a spokesperson for Lake Louise, Yoho and Kootenay in an email.

“A black bear had been previously observed frequenting the campground, displaying food-seeking behaviour. It is not yet confirmed if this is the same bear.”

MacNeil said Parks Canada is monitoring the situation.

“Wildlife management actions, which may include tactics such as hazing/aversive conditioning or trapping and collaring, will be assessed as necessary,” she said.

It is illegal to feed wildlife in a national park and anything that has an odour or could be considered food may attract wildlife to your site.

MacNeil said campers must never leave coolers, whether full or closed, food, garbage and wrappers, dishes and pots, pet food and bowls or bottles or cans or any other item associated with food preparation unattended at a campsite.

“Dispose of all garbage in wildlife-proof garbage bins or take it with you,” she said.

“Your garbage kills wildlife.”