Park wardens destroy bear involved in jogger attack
A black bear who bit a jogger near Lake Louise in July was destroyed Tuesday, a Parks Canada news release said.
The bear, which had a scar on its leg, was trapped Sunday and matched the description given by Charisse D'hamers, who was running near the Continental Divide on July 16 when she encountered the animal, said park wardens.
Despite making noise and trying to back away, D'hamers was bitten at least half a dozen times by the bear. She suffered minor injuries.
Tips for avoiding bears:
- Hike in groups.
- Avoid areas with lots of berries.
- Make noise.
- Keep all pets on a leash.
If you encounter a bear:
- Back away slowly.
- Talk in a calm tone.
- Form a group with others.
- Leave the bear an exit out of the area.
Source: Parks Canada
DNA testing confirmed the bear was the animal that bit D'hamers and officials decided to destroy it because it posed a risk to the public.
"These kinds of decision are not made lightly but public safety remains the number 1 priority in these circumstances," said a Parks Canada news release on Tuesday.
Last week, wardens near Lake Louise shot and killed another black bear believed to have been the one that bit D'hamers, but DNA testing showed it was not the same the animal. Still, officials said that bear also displayed aggressive behaviour and had to be destroyed.
The day-use area between Banff and Yoho national parks will remain closed while wardens remove traps from the area.
Park wardens have been warning people that bear encounters are high at this time of year as the animals hunt for ripe berries.