Buffaloberries that attract grizzly bears at Lake Louise could be torn out

The buffaloberry bushes that bears find irresistible could be removed from areas in and around the Lake Louise townsite next year, Parks Canada says.

For the last three or four weeks the ripe berries have been attracting grizzlies in the mountain town, prompting a warning by Parks Canada.

Jon Stuart-Smith, a human-wildlife conflict specialist with Parks Canada, says it's fortunate there have not been any major incidents involving bears so far this summer.

Buffaloberry bushes are starting to be removed from campgrounds on the eastern side of the park near the Banff townsite and Stuart-Smith said "we're going to try and do a similar treatment" on the western side near Lake Louise, as well.

But that is only one option under consideration and wouldn't happen until next year at the earliest, Tania Peters, a spokesperson with Parks Canada's Lake Louise Field Unit, later clarified.

"The seasonal buffaloberry crop is abundant in Lake Louise resulting in increased grizzly bear activity, though It is not unusual for there to be bear activity and bear warnings in the Lake Louise area," Peters said in an email.

"Bears can become very focused when feeding on berries and may be paying less attention to their surroundings or the location of their young. Staff, residents and visitors need to be extra diligent practising bear safety protocols when walking, hiking, camping or biking in the area to help protect themselves, other people and bears."

Aside from buffaloberry removal, Peters said other options to reduce the chance of human-bear conflicts include seasonal trail restrictions or full area closures near important bear habitat and seasonal use of electric fences for the tenting side of the Lake Louise Campground and the base of summer operations at Lake Louise Ski Resort.

Grizzly bear warning 

On Tuesday, Parks Canada issued a special warning about grizzlies frequenting the Lake Louise townsite and surrounding areas.

"Special caution is recommended while travelling or camping in this area," the warning said.

The affected areas include the townsite, the Tramline Trail, Bow River Trail and Louise Creek Trail, as well as the Lake Louise Campground.

Anyone who spots a bear is asked to report it immediately to the visitor centre or Banff park dispatch at 403-762-1473.

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