Spring and summer visitors to Glacier National Park should be wary that a swath of backcountry connected to a popular recreation trail is closed for bear season as the grizzlies start to emerge from hibernation.
Effective Thursday, May 1, the Cougar Valley watershed, west of Balu Pass and southwest of the Rogers Pass Centre, has closed to all public traffic until Nov. 15, making way for the reawakening of B.C.'s largest terrestrial predator.
"This closure is in effect annually to increase public safety, and minimize displacement of grizzly bears from prime food sources," Parks Canada shared on Facebook Thursday morning.
The adjoining Balu Pass summit hike 鈥� "baloo" meaning "bear" in Hindi 鈥� additionally requires all visitors to hike in groups of four or more adults from July 15 to Sept. 30, while dogs aren't allowed.
"Access beyond this point is strictly regulated," Parks Canada says, referencing grizzly activity and emphasizing public safety.
The federal agency estimates that B.C. boasts between 6,000 and 12,000 grizzlies.
Anyone who violates the closure and accesses the Cougar Valley watershed over the next six-and-a-half months, against the orders of the superintendent for Glacier and Mount Revelstoke national parks, can be penalized up to $25,000.
More details on this closure are available at .
