KOOTENAY NATIONAL PARK – A no-stopping zone has been issued for a 15-kilometre section of highway through Kootenay National Park near Olive Lake to protect bears grazing roadside.
Parks Canada officials say both grizzly and black bears are hanging out along the side of busy Highway 93 South in search of natural food, with dandelions along this stretch drawing a high concentration of bear activity as they emerge from hibernation each spring.
They say stopping creates traffic hazards that are dangerous to passing vehicles, increases danger to wildlife through habituation to people and vehicles, adding traffic congestion can increase the chance of bears getting struck.
“Narrow shoulders and blind corners, combined with multiple bears focused on finding food, make stopping here unsafe,” said Annie MacNeil, acting public relations and communications officer for Lake Louise, Yoho and Kootenay field unit.
“The temporary no-stopping zone will allow bears to feed undisturbed and will prevent traffic congestion that is dangerous for both bears and people.”
The no-stopping zone, which went into effect June 4 and runs until further notice, includes the stretch of Highway 93 South from McKay Compound to Settler’s Road turnoff.
Stopping in this zone is completely prohibited, with the exception of brake check pullouts for vehicles that are legally required to stop for safety checks or for designated trailhead parking lots. Violators may be charged under the Canada National Parks Act and face a fine of up to $25,000 in court.
Parks Canada wildlife and law enforcement officers, with assistance from the local RCMP detachment, will routinely patrol the area to ensure motorists are complying with the no-stopping zone.
Repeated exposure to vehicles and people can cause bears to become habituated and lose their natural wariness of humans. Bears that frequent roadsides are also at a greater risk of being struck and killed by passing vehicles.
MacNeil also reminded residents and visitors that feeding wildlife in a national park is illegal.
“Parks Canada thanks you for respecting wildlife, the temporary no stopping zone and associated area closure,” said MacNeil.
