Black bear bites jogger on Alberta-B.C. border

Park wardens have closed the day-use area between Banff and Yoho national parks after a female jogger was bitten by a bear on Wednesday evening.

Charisse D'hamers, 23, who is working in Lake Louise for the summer, was running on the old Highway 1A near the Great Divide day-use area on the Alberta-B.C. border when she encountered a black bear, Parks Canada said Thursday.

The Belgian woman tried to back away and make a lot of noise, but the bear followed her for about 100 metres. She then lay down and tried to play dead. The animal proceeded to circle and lick her, eventually biting her at least six times on her legs and back.

"Her quick thinking and togetherness helped her out of that situation," he said. "Playing dead is only applicable in very specific situations. It comes with a lot of risks," said Hal Morrison, a wildlife-human conflict specialist for Parks Canada

After about 20 minutes, D'hamers got up and tried to back away again. The bear then appeared to lose interest and left the area, said Morrison.

D'hamers suffered minor injuries and was able to run six kilometres east, where she found a park warden. The warden was helping another jogger who had fallen and separated a shoulder.

Paramedics took both joggers to the hospital in Banff. D'hamers was treated and released on Wednesday night, said Morrison.

Wardens have set three traps in an attempt to capture the bear.

Parks Canada said the likelihood of bear encounters at this time of year is high, and urged hikers and joggers to travel in groups, and to carry and know how to use bear spray.

If you encounter a bear, officials say you should:

• Slowly back away from the animal.
• Talk to it in a calm tone.
• Group together with others if possible.
• Have bear spray ready to use.
• Leave the bear an exit out of the area.
• Play dead only after a bear has attacked you so it no longer sees you as a threat.