A grizzly bear family relocated from the Jasper townsite area one year ago has come full circle.
Parks Canada will be extending an area closure now that Grizzly Bear 222 and her cubs—who have become well-known to Jasper National Park officials, residents and visitors alike—are back in the Jasper townsite area.
“Grizzly Bear 222 and her cubs [have returned] to this valley-bottom habitat area,” a June 28 stakeholder update notes. “Lac Beauvert gate opening [will be] postponed until further notice.”
The bears were first cast into the public spotlight after they accessed food at a busy picnic area last summer. As a result of their habituated behaviour, the bears were captured and relocated approximately 70 kms south of the Jasper townsite.
Before they denned for the winter, the family of bears were seen foraging in the Columbia Icefields Area.
Then, earlier this summer, the bears came into close contact with a backcountry user’s tent at Coronet Creek campsite, on Maligne Lake and a little more than a week later, they swam into another Maligne Lake tent area, causing a stir among campers there.
The bears have since been steadily making their way north towards Jasper. On June 28, they were back in their former stomping grounds.
The closure applies to the Lac Beauvert Access Road, from the Old Fort Point gate to the Lac Beauvert day-use area and will be in place until further notice.
“Reducing vehicle traffic will help lower congestion and overall disturbance, which can help the bears from becoming further habituated to humans,” the update states.
Visitors can still access Lac Beauvert and Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge on foot or by bicycle through the area.
Parks Canada says visitors using the area should make noise, consider travelling in groups, keep pets on a leash at all times, carry bear spray and understand how to use it.
“Do not leave human food or garbage unattended. Please respect and obey posted signage and the directions of Parks Canada staff when encountered.”
Report any wildlife interactions, concerning activity or dead animals to Parks Canada Dispatch, available 24 hours a day: 780-852-6155.
