2 killed in bear attack at Banff National Park, grizzly euthanized

A grizzly bear attacked and killed two people in Banff National Park west of Sundre, Alta., on Friday night, Parks Canada says.

Parks Canada received an alert from a GPS device in the Red Deer River Valley west of Ya Ha Tinda Ranch west of Sundre at about 8 p.m. on Friday, indicating a bear attack, said Natalie Fay, external relations manager for the Banff field unit.

In a statement, Fay said a team specially trained in wildlife attacks was immediately mobilized, but weather hindered their response time."Weather conditions at the time did not allow for helicopter use, and the response team traveled through the night to the location by the ground," she said."The response team arrived on-site at 1 a.m. and discovered two deceased individuals."While in the area, the response team encountered a grizzly bear displaying aggressive behavior, Fay said, leading Parks Canada staff to put down the animal on-site for public safety. RCMP arrived at 5 a.m. to transport the victims to Sundre, Alta., she said."This is a tragic incident and Parks Canada wishes to express its sincere condolences to the families and friends of the victims," the statement read. A closure is in place around the attack area — including the Red Deer and Panther valleys, from Snow Creek Summit east to the National Park boundary, and north to Shale Pass — until further notice as a safety precaution.

In a tragic and rare incident, two individuals lost their lives in a grizzly bear attack in Banff National Park, located west of Sundre, Alberta. The incident unfolded on a Friday night and was marked by a distress signal from a GPS device, which alerted Parks Canada authorities to the bear attack.

Natalie Fay, the external relations manager for the Banff field unit, reported that Parks Canada swiftly responded to the distress call. A team specially trained to handle wildlife attacks was immediately mobilized. However, their efforts were hampered by challenging weather conditions that prevented the use of helicopters for rapid deployment.

"Weather conditions at the time did not allow for helicopter use, and the response team traveled through the night to the location by ground," said Fay. The response team finally reached the incident site at 1 a.m. and made a grim discovery – two individuals had tragically lost their lives in the bear attack.

While at the scene, the response team encountered a grizzly bear displaying aggressive behavior. Fearing for public safety, the decision was made to euthanize the bear on-site by Parks Canada staff. This action, though difficult, was deemed necessary to prevent further potential harm.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) were also involved in this tragic event, arriving at the scene at 5 a.m. Their role included assisting in the transportation of the victims to Sundre, Alberta.

Parks Canada expressed profound condolences to the families and friends of the victims in an official statement, acknowledging the profound sorrow and grief this incident has caused.

As a precautionary measure, a closure has been put in place around the area where the attack occurred. This closure encompasses the Red Deer and Panther valleys, stretching from Snow Creek Summit east to the National Park boundary, and north to Shale Pass. This temporary closure aims to ensure the safety of visitors and prevent any potential further encounters with wildlife in the area.

Bear attacks, while rare, serve as a somber reminder of the unpredictable nature of wildlife encounters in Canada's national parks. Visitors to such areas are urged to adhere to safety guidelines, including carrying bear spray, making noise on trails to alert bears to their presence, and maintaining a safe distance from wildlife. Authorities also remind the public to stay informed about park closures and advisories to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience in the country's breathtaking natural landscapes.

The tragic incident in Banff National Park highlights the importance of respecting wildlife and the guidelines in place to protect both animals and park visitors in these natural habitats.