Bear warning issued for all of Kananaskis Country

A day after Alberta Parks officials warned hikers to be wary while on some trails and pathways, a bear warning has been issued for all of Kananaskis Country.

"Due to an excellent berry crop this year we are seeing significant bear activity throughout Kananaskis Countryand extra caution is advised as the possibility of encountering bears on a trail or in facility areas has substantially increased," reads the warning posted online.

"Please respect all closures and observebear smart techniqueswhen visiting Kananaskis."

• Bear sightings prompt trail closures in Kananaskis Country

2 recent attacks

Two people were attacked by bears in two separate incidents last week.

Awoman suffered serious injurieswhen she was mauled by agrizzly bear protecting her cubson Tuesday in the Waiparous area.

A bear closure remains in effect along theTransAlta Road west of Highway 40 near theGhost River andbetween Don GettyWildland Provincial Park and Highway 40 because of that incident.

The next day, awoman cycling in the Canmore areawas attacked by a black bear.

She was taken to Canmore hospital with stable, non-life-threatening injuries

John Paczkowski, an ecologist with the province, says bears have been drawn down to lower elevations recently because ripe berries are so plentiful.