Parks Canada confirmed the charges related to the incident on the popular hiking trail, detailing that the dog was not under control when it approached the grizzly, identified as Bear 142, along with her two cubs. The encounter prompted officials to take enforcement action, citing wildlife safety and pet-control violations.
The incident occurred on a trail frequented by visitors in the park, where bear conservation remains a priority for the agency. Parks Canada said the charges reflect its efforts to uphold rules designed to protect both wildlife and park visitors, particularly in bear habitat where interactions can escalate quickly.
Bear 142, also known to be seen with cubs in recent sightings, has drawn attention from hikers and park staff alike. Parks Canada emphasized that keeping dogs on leashes and maintaining a safe distance from wildlife are critical measures to reduce the risk of provoking protective or defensive behavior from bears.
The two hikers face potential penalties under provincial or federal wildlife regulations, though specific charges and court dates were not immediately available in the initial statement. Officials noted that enforcement actions are not uncommon in cases where pets are permitted on trails, but are not controlled near wildlife.
Banff National Park advises visitors to abort any attempt to approach bears, to keep a minimum distance, and to secure dogs on a leash in all bear habitats. The agency also encourages hikers to report bear sightings and to follow posted guidelines for backcountry and front-country areas to minimize human-wildlife conflicts.
As the investigation continues, Parks Canada urged the public to respect wildlife closures and trail advisories, especially during peak visiting periods when wildlife activity can intensify. No injuries were reported in the incident.