Latest news with #WatertonLakes
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Yahoo
Wildlife officials forced to take drastic measures after observing bear's concerning behavior in national park: 'Always a last resort'
A black bear that acted aggressively toward humans at a Canadian national park had to be euthanized, according to CTV News. A hiker encountered the bear in late May on Cameron Lakeshore Trail in Waterton Lakes National Park, according to a Facebook post from Parks Canada. The bear's behavior during that encounter was "not safe" for preserving "human-wildlife coexistence," per the post, and the area was closed until the bear could be located and assessed. When officials did find a bear matching the description given, they confirmed that its behavior was unsafe and made the difficult decision to euthanize it. Normally, nature lovers and conservationists want to do everything possible to protect animals in the wild. Unfortunately, in certain cases, officials have to make the difficult decision to euthanize an animal when its behavior is a threat to human beings. Animals may approach humans or show aggression for several reasons. Sometimes it's due to illness — rabies, as an extreme example — which is one reason you should never approach or touch wild animals, even if they appear docile. But beyond that, this behavior is inevitable when humans encroach on animals' territory. As more habitats are destroyed and human developments spread, animals are forced into closer contact. They get used to the presence of humans and lose their fear. They also lose their natural food sources and may start seeking out human food instead. This combination can lead to them approaching people and buildings, and while that may seem cute at first, it's dangerous for both the humans and the animals. A startled, hungry, or cornered animal can lash out and hurt people, which is why animals that exhibit this behavior of approaching humans sometimes have to be put down for safety. Parks Canada and similar organizations worldwide help maintain a peaceful coexistence between people and animals. "This action is always a last resort and will only be taken if necessary to do so in the interest of public safety," Parks Canada said, per CTV News. Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. "Human and wildlife safety is of the utmost importance to Parks Canada. While this was an isolated incident, we want to remind visitors that wildlife and public safety is a shared responsibility — we all have a role to play." You can help by interacting responsibly with natural environments. Keep your food and trash secure, pack out all your trash and belongings, and maintain a respectful distance from wildlife for their safety and yours. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
CTV News
07-06-2025
- CTV News
Parks Canada warns to be aware, prepared for wildlife in wake of Waterton Lakes National Park incident
If you're heading to the mountains this weekend, Parks Canada officials are advising you to be aware of, and to plan for, wildlife. If you're heading to the mountains this weekend, officials are advising you to be aware of, and to plan for, wildlife. The reminder comes following a recent bear encounter in Waterton Lakes National Park that resulted in a black bear being euthanized. Parks Canada says the bear showed unusual and aggressive behaviour toward humans near the Cameron Lakeshore Trail on May 24. The following day, Parks Canada located the bear and made the decision to euthanize it. Parks Canada says human and wildlife safety is of the utmost importance. Parks Canada encourages visitors to build their knowledge on how to safely enjoy bear country. 'It's very important to be prepared with knowledge on how to respond when you encounter bears and also tools such as bear spray to use in the unlikely situation where you might need to deploy it,' said Kimberly Pearson, Waterton Lakes National Park resource conservation manager. 'So, be prepared with information, check in with trail reports—with the visitor centre, we have notices on whether there are any closures or cautions with wildlife.' She says to also keep food and garbage secure and never feed wildlife.
CTV News
04-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Tourists expected to flock to southern Alberta this summer
LETHBRIDGE, ALTA. — The warm weather means the travel season is almost here, and those in the tourism industry are expecting it to be a busy summer in southern Alberta. Tourist hot spots are gearing up for what they hope will be a busy summer. 'We are seeing some optimism. We're also seeing a lot more visitors coming in. Our U.S. numbers are up from those crossing the border from the same time last year, and we're anticipating some additional domestic travel,' said Erin Crane, the CEO of Tourism Lethbridge. Most tourist destinations are expecting a surge in domestic visitors. Many Canadians have cancelled American holiday plans due to the ongoing trade war. Tourism Lethbridge Tourism Lethbridge is preparing for a busy summer travel season in 2025. (CTV News) International visitors may also be choosing Canada this summer over the United States. 'But we also know that this creates an opportunity for those travellers from farther afield. And we are seeing the interest there from, you know, our European partners, our partners out of Asia,' said Crane. Waterton Lakes National Park has already noticed a big boost in visitors. Last month was the busiest May the park has seen, which could show a trend toward one of the busiest summers on record for the park. 'Waterton looks to be very busy this summer. You know, we still have a good chunk of our American tourism coming. International tourism is up. And Canadian tourism is up. I think a lot of folks are staying home this year,' said Shameer Suleman, president of the Waterton Chamber of Commerce. Tourist destinations south of the border, meanwhile, are preparing for a potential drop in Canadian visitors. Whitefish, Montana has seen about a 20 per cent drop in Canadian tourists this year. But a rise in domestic American travellers could help offset those losses. '(It) remains to be seen in terms of how summertime will play out. I mean, we do have, you know, Glacier National Park, so many, you know, recreational amenities that are so close to the border,' said Brian Schott, Explore Whitefish's media relations manager. 'So, it still remains to be seen. We hope to see our Canadian friends in Whitefish for sure.' About 175,000 people from outside Lethbridge attended events in the city last year.
CTV News
02-06-2025
- General
- CTV News
‘Aggressive' black bear euthanized in Waterton Lakes National Park
Parks Canada says a bear had to be euthanized in southern Alberta last week after exhibiting 'unusual and aggressive behaviour' toward humans. According to a social media post, the organization received a report on Saturday, May 24, about a black bear that approached a hiker on Cameron Lakeshore Trail in Waterton Lakes National Park. Parks Canada says the bear behaved in a manner deemed 'not safe' for maintaining 'human-wildlife coexistence.' The encounter prompted officials to close an area surrounding Cameron Lake and nearby trails. The following day, Parks Canada's wildlife team located a bear matching the description of the one involved in the May 24 incident, which they say was exhibiting 'similar behaviours.' After careful consideration, the decision was made to euthanize the bear. Parks Canada says the action is in line with its standard human-wildlife coexistence procedures. 'This action is always a last resort and will only be taken if necessary to do so in the interest of public safety,' Parks Canada said. 'Human and wildlife safety is of the utmost importance to Parks Canada. While this was an isolated incident, we want to remind visitors that wildlife and public safety is a shared responsibility – we all have a role to play.' Parks Canada is asking people to report bear sightings of concern immediately by calling 1-888-927-3367.
CTV News
07-05-2025
- CTV News
Alberta's Chief Mountain border crossing opens for 2025 summer season
An Alberta border crossing will soon reopen for the 2025 season. Located along Highway 6 on the boundary of Waterton Lakes National Park, the Chief Mountain port of entry connects the town of Babb, Mont., with Pincher Creek, Alta. Due to its high elevation and harsh winters, the border crossing is only open in the spring and summer. Chief Mountain will open for use on May 15, with the hours of operation as follows: May 15 to 31 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; June 1 to Sept. 1 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sept. 2 to 30 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. It will then close on Sept. 30. Canada Boarder Services Agency (CBSA) says last year the Chief Mountain port of entry welcomed more than 65,000 travellers. Before heading to the border crossing, travellers are advised to check the CBSA's website for estimated wait times. Whether travelling by land, air or water, the CBSA says travellers can help speed up processing times by coming prepared with their travel documents.
