Be bear aware: Increase in sightings, encounters prompts warning to Alberta backcountry users

A recent increase in the number of bear sightings and trail closures in Alberta’s mountain parks has wildlife experts reminding backcountry users to be careful when visiting bear country. “At springtime, you know, all the bears just got out of their dens after five to six months of laying in their dens and they’re hungry, they’re looking for food,” said Nick de Ruyter, WildSmart director at the Biosphere of the Bow Valley. “There’s snow up high, there’s better weather down in the valley bottoms, all their food is available in the valley bottoms, so they’re here looking to eat and that’s where …