B.C. Parks closes part of Stawamus Chief Park due to 'food-conditioned' bear
B.C. Parks says closure will give the bear space, allow it to move on
B.C. Parks says sections of Stawamus Chief Park near Squamish will be closed until July 16 due to the presence of a "food-conditioned" bear.
The park, a little more than 40 kilometres north of Vancouver, is an international destination for rock climbers. The closures largely affect certain bouldering areas at the base of the iconic 700-metre granite monolith.
According to a statement from B.C. Parks, the closure is meant to "give the bear some space and a chance to move on," as well as ensure public safety. The agency did not respond to an interview request.
Closures in the North Wall area of the park affect the bouldering areas from 0 to 1.4 kilometres on the Mamquam River Forest Service Road. Closures in the Grand Wall boulders include areas from Titanic South to the Apron Descent Trail.
In both affected areas, the trails remain open, but B.C. Parks has asked visitors to use caution and not stop along the trail.
The statement posted on the B.C. Parks website says visitors to all areas of the park must securely store all items that could attract bears, such as food, in a vehicle, hard-sided trailer or bear-proof locker. Failure to do so could result in eviction from the park and a violation ticket under the B.C. Wildlife Act.
According to the local government, District of Squamish, the region is "prime bear habitat," with bears actively seeking food between March and December. In the summer months they feed on local berries, ants and grubs.
The district, as well as the B.C. Conservation Officers Service, declined CBC News interview requests to discuss both how the bear had been behaving leading up to the closure and how officials are tracking or managing it.