Bears near highway prompt no-stopping zone in Kootenay National Park

Parks Canada has enacted a no-stopping zone along Highway 93 in Kootenay National Park in British Columbia to protect bears in the area.

• Dandelion-loving bears can't resist crossing highway in Kootenay National Park

The 11-kilometre zone stretches from McKay Creek to Cobb Lake.

"Wildlife, including both grizzly and black bears are frequenting the road side in search of natural food," says Parks Canada in an online bulletin.

Vehicles stopping increases the chances of wildlife being struck on the highway and habituates the bears to people and vehicles , Parks Canada says.

Stopping is still allowed at trailhead parking areas.

The same order was issued to protect a grizzly bear and her two cubs that were foraging in the area last spring.