Bears prompt 'no stopping zone' in Kootenay National Park
Grizzly bears, black bears, other wildlife recently spotted by roadside
An 11-kilometre "no stopping zone" has been set up once again this year on Highway 93 south in Kootenay National Park, Parks Canada officials said Thursday.
- Banff Bear 122 unafraid of railways, even after being hit by train
- No grizzly bears killed by people in Banff-area national parks in 2015
The move comes after grizzly bears, black bears and other wildlife have been observed on the roadway that stretches from Radium, B.C., north to the Banff turnoff on Highway 1.
Officials say stopping within the zone, which runs from McKay Creek Operations Centre to Cobb Lake, is restricted to trailhead parking areas.
Officials say stopping increases animal interactions with humans and vehicles, and creates traffic hazards.
The zone was first put in place in 2014 after a grizzly and her cubs foraging near Olive Lake caused traffic chaos as people stopped to look at the animals.
Motorists are asked to report all bear sightings to Banff Dispatch at 403-762-1473.