Cyclist charged for illegal camping which resulted in a food-conditioned bear
Marie Conboy
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Published on: June 24, 2019 | Last Updated: June 25, 2019 2:44 PM EDT
Look Both Ways A tiny black bear cub crosses the road in front of a line of cars in Canmore on Saturday, June 22, 2019 in the late afternoon. The cub was with its sibling and following its mother. photo by Pam Doyle/pamdoylephoto.com PAM_DOYLE / jpg, BA
A cyclist illegally camping called 911 when he woke in the night and heard a black bear eating the food out of his bike panniers at the east end of the Bow Valley Parkway on June 12.
Charges for illegal camping have been laid against the male, who is now believed to be in the United States on his way to New Mexico taking part in the 2019 Tour Divide, a 4,417-kilometer ultra-endurance bike race.
Bill Hunt, resource conservation manager for Banff National Park said illegal camping like this is dangerous because it puts future visitors at risk and it puts the bear at risk.
"The food was not secured in any way. It was lying on the ground in his pack outside his tent. He did not have have bear spray. He waited scared inside his tent while the bear ate his food for an hour and just before midnight he called 911 after he feared for his safety. He said he glanced out occasionally and that he saw a light colored bear but we're not sure if there was two bears there.
"I imagine if a person is cycling to New Mexico he should have been able to find his way to Tunnel Mountain campground, or have noticed all of the signs," said Hunt.
By the time Parks Canada wildlife specialists arrived the bear had already moved on. A trap was set up in an attempt to capture the food conditioned bear, but was not successful.
"That bear has now learned food-conditioned behavior and there is potential that he may now go and seek out other camp sites. We collected some of the bear's DNA so we will hopefully be able to find out which bear it was," Hunt said.
"We are asking the public now to keep an eye out if they notice a bear that is acting different, or if the public notice any illegal campers to please let us know and we will come and investigate. Illegal camping leads to conflict. To report illegal camping call 403-762-1470."
Female wolf collared and under watch after fears of food conditioning	 Rappelling is Dangerous and Wolf 1904