Jasper National Park has implemented area closures to give grizzly bears, black bears and calving elk room to roam.

Trail 7 along the south and east borders of the Jasper Park Lodge Golf Course is a popular hiking and cycling area. It’s also a designated wildlife corridor that grizzly bears and black bears frequently utilize. To ensure visitor safety, the area is closed to the public use—with the exception of equestrian travel.

“Equestrian riders are not to dismount,” the May 9 bulletin explains.

Members of the public disobeying the area closure may be charged under the Canada National Parks Act. Violations carry a maximum penalty of $25,000.

The Jasper Park Lodge Golf Course opened on Saturday, May 11. Jasper National Park wildlife experts have issued a warning to golf course users that grizzly and black bears are frequenting the area. 

Golfers are advised to carry bear spray, and to report all bear sightings to Jasper National Park via Jasper Dispatch, 780-852-6155. 

Two area closures are also in place for elk calving: the first is between Hwy 93 and along the Athabasca River south of the Jasper townsite. The second is between Lac Beauvert and the Athabasca River, near Old Fort Point Road. 

“Female elk can be very aggressive during the calving period,” the bulletin warns.

Bob Covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com