No one injured after young grizzly charges man on Great Northern Trail
By Nelson Daily Staff
Nelson Police Department is asking the public to take extra caution when walking the Nelson-Salmo Great Northern Trail after a local man was charged by a young grizzly bear Wednesday evening.
The incident occurred at approximately 7 p.m. Wednesday (April 26) on the Great Northern Trail between Stanley Street entrance and the Nelson Cemetery.
The man was walking along the trail talking on a cell phone when a young grizzly bear charged at the man.
The man stopped as the bear charged again.
The bear stopped before running off into the bushes.
The man, who was not hurt, then ran back to safety and contacted Nelson Police Dispatch.
BC Conservation Officer Service has been notified of the charge.
The trail south of Cottonwood Lake parking area to Hall Street Siding is generally closed during the spring due to grizzly bears.
The Regional District of Central Kootenay said collared bear data has shown the area from Cottonwood Lake to Hall Siding, particularly the areas of Apex and Camp Busk, are heavily used by grizzly bears in the spring.
The RDCK said bears use this area because of its high valued forage habitat. In most cases the bears move on to higher elevations by the middle of June. It is felt that an annual closure will help ensure public safety and benefit the local bear population from over exposure.
As black bear and grizzly bear activity is common in the spring and early summer, bears may be present on the trail system throughout the year so please remember to always:
- use caution
- do not attempt to view or approach bears
- do not leave garbage or food on trails
Friday, the RDCK issued a media release closing the Nelson-Salmo Great Northern Trail due bear activity in the Cottonwood Lake area.
The closure runs from May 1 to June 15th.
Comments