Calgary

2 bears captured at Lake Minnewanka after concession stand food accessed

Park wardens in Banff National Park captured two black bears at Lake Minnewanka after one of them repeatedly got into the food stored at a concession stand.

Black bears ear-tagged and hazed to keep them away from popular day use area

A black bear photographed in the mountain parks west of Calgary earlier this year. Parks Canada officials collared two black bears at Lake Minnewanka on June 28 after one of them repeatedly got into the food at a concession stand. (Rick Price Photography)

Park wardens in Banff National Park captured two black bears at Lake Minnewanka after one of them repeatedly got into the food stored at a concession stand.

The bear was able to get food from the concession stand at the day use area on Monday.

It was the third incident in recent days, Parks Canada said Thursday in a release.

Wardens set up a bear trap and two black bears were captured on Wednesday.

"We believe that one of the bears captured is the one that was involved in the three food-related incidents," Parks Canada said.

Both bears were ear-tagged and collared and then hazed heavily to persuade them to leave the area.

Wardens will monitor the animals to ensure they stay away from the popular hiking and picnic area. They are also working with the concession stand owners to make sure their food is stored securely.

A bear warning remains in effect for the Minnewanka reservoir area, including the day use area, shoreline, and Two Jack campgrounds. 

The shoreline backcountry campsites — LM8, LM9, LM20 and LM22 — are closed, but the shoreline trail is open.