Canmore-area bear closure lifted as buffaloberries recede

Abear-related area closure aroundQuarry Lake and Grassi Lakesnear Canmore, Alta.,was lifted Friday morning.

The closure had been in place since the end of July because of the amount of buffaloberry andbear activity within the closed area.

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"We had a lot of bears feeding on buffaloberry. A lot of those buffaloberry were trailside and that was resulting in a lot of interactions with bikers, joggers, dog-walkers," explained Jay Honeyman, human wildlife conflict biologist with Alberta Environment and Parks.

"For the most part, the berries have dropped, and the bears are starting to move out of this area, so we're opening it up again," Honeyman said.

Officials say that anyone travelling through the area should still take precautions.

Alberta Environment and Parks advises people tocarry bear spray, travel in groups, make lots of noiseand keep their dogs on a leash.

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"Just be bear aware. There are still bears in the valley," he said.

Other area closures remain in effect. For up to date information, check the government's website.