Cinnamon-Coloured Bear Follows Hiker Near Banff

A cinnamon-coloured black bear that closely approached and followed a solo hiker has prompted Parks Canada to issue a new bear warning for several popular backcountry trails and camping areas in Banff National Park.

The warning, issued May 26, covers the Boom Lake, Arnica Lake, and Twin Lakes trails, along with the Twin Lakes Campground and surrounding backcountry areas near Storm Mountain Lodge along Highway 93 South.

Parks Canada said the bear exhibited “concerning behaviour” after approaching a lone hiker at close range and following them. Officials did not say whether the hiker was injured, how long the encounter lasted, or whether the bear has previously been involved in human interactions.

The affected trail network sits roughly midway between Banff and Lake Louise and is especially popular in early summer with hikers heading toward alpine lakes and overnight backcountry camping routes.

The agency is urging visitors to use heightened caution while travelling through the area, warning that bear encounters remain possible at any time.

“Carry bear spray and know how to use it,” Parks Canada said in the advisory. Officials are also recommending hikers travel in groups of four or more, make noise on trails, keep pets leashed, and stay alert for fresh signs of bear activity such as tracks or scat.

The warning comes as both Parks Canada and Alberta Parks enter the busiest period of spring bear activity, when melting snow pushes more hikers onto trails while bears emerge from denning season and actively search for food.

Meanwhile, Alberta Parks has also issued a separate bear warning for Peter Lougheed Provincial Park in Kananaskis Country.

That warning affects the Bill Benson Trail and Lower Lake Trail between William Watson Lodge and the Canyon day-use area after officials reported “multiple bears in the area.” The advisory remains in effect until further notice.

Wildlife managers routinely issue warnings rather than immediate closures when bears are active near recreation areas but behaviour is not yet considered aggressive enough to fully restrict public access.

Parks Canada said anyone encountering a bear should remain calm, stay together, avoid running, keep the animal in sight, and slowly back away while maintaining distance.

Officials are also asking visitors to report all bear sightings and provide identifying details such as size, colour, behaviour, and ear tag information to Banff Dispatch at 403-762-1470.