A bear attack on two hikers in a Canadian national park has resulted in the closure of several sections of the park. The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon, prompting officials to take necessary measures to ensure the safety of visitors.
Two hikers, whose identities remain unknown, were hiking from Crandell Lake to Ruby Ridge, a striking rock formation in Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta, Canada, when they came across a bear at around 2 p.m. local time. The park boasts several trails of different lengths that link the two locations, which are approximately two miles apart. As per a statement shared with CBS News by park officials, the incident occurred in Waterton Lakes National Park.
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As the hikers ventured forward, the bear suddenly charged towards them. The encounter left both individuals injured, but they were able to act quickly and use bear spray in defense. Officials from the park reported that as a result of the spray, the bear “disengaged” and the hikers were able to safely exit the area.
After the attack, they were able to hike out of the area and received medical treatment at a nearby hospital. Thankfully, both of them were in a stable condition.
According to park officials, they are currently on the lookout for the bear that attacked the hikers, but have not yet been able to locate it. It remains unclear what type of bear it was or what triggered the attack. The park’s website indicates that both black bears and grizzly bears can be found in the area, with black bears being the more prevalent species.
Officials stated that the incident is still being investigated.
If anyone spots a bear, it is important to report it to the park staff immediately, as stated in a recently published news release.
At present, all sections of the Crandell Lake trail and its surrounding campground have been closed by park officials. Additionally, other trails within the park, as well as numerous campgrounds and backcountry areas, including the Ruby Ridge where the attack occurred, have also been closed. It is worth noting that the park is situated on the border between the province and Montana, adjacent to the U.S. Glacier National Park.
