Full Breakdown
Grizzly Bear Encounter on Alberta Trail Sparks New Warnings
6/27/2026, 10:05:40 PM
June 24 Encounter: Woman, Dog, and a Grizzly on Kananaskis Trail
On June 24 2026, a woman walking her leashed dog with a coffee on a gravel road near Mount Engadine Lodge in Kananaskis Country, Alberta, was approached by a grizzly bear that came within roughly one metre. The bear circled the pair, reared on its hind legs, and repeatedly advanced despite the woman's loud shouts—“stop, enough, no, hey, stop it, go away, bad”—and a thrown coffee cup. She backed away slowly, kept the dog close, and ultimately escaped after the bear retreated into the woods.
Background: Rising Bear Activity in Kananaskis and Banff
The incident follows a string of recent bear sightings in the region. Earlier in June, a family of four grizzlies frequented a campground near Mount Shark Road, prompting Alberta Parks to ban tent camping at two sites. In Banff National Park, Parks Canada closed a backcountry area after a black bear damaged multiple tents between June 6 and 14. Provincial authorities have issued multiple bear warnings covering Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park, the Evan-Thomas area, and the Rummel Lake Trail.
Key Figures & Groups
- Jelmer de Blois, guide with Wilderness Escape Adventures, captured the video.
- Alberta Forestry and Parks, which issued the bear warning for the Mount Engadine Lodge area.
- Alberta Parks and Parks Canada, which announced campsite restrictions and area closures.
- Dave Landage, wildlife photographer, who shared the footage on Instagram.
- Caleb Jacques and Jerry Jacques, Alaska Grizzly Safaris, who provided expert commentary.
Timeline of Recent Bear Incidents
- May 2026: Grizzly bluff-charge near Troll Falls trail; provincial warning issued.
- June 6 2026: Black bear damages tent on Lake Minnewanka (Banff).
- June 13-14 2026: Additional tent damages on Lake Minnewanka; area evacuated.
- June 24 2026: Grizzly encounter on Rummel Lake Trail (current event).
Data & Statistics
Alberta estimates 800–1,000 grizzly bears, down from 6,000–9,000 in the 1800s. Bear activity peaks in spring and early summer as animals emerge from hibernation. Kananaskis, Banff, and Jasper see 200–300 visitors per weekend, increasing encounter likelihood.
Why It Matters: Visitor Safety and Wildlife Management
The encounter underscores the need for preventive measures—leashed dogs, bear spray, and audible deterrence—while highlighting the tension between recreational use and wildlife conservation. Repeated human-bear interactions have led to habitat habituation, which can elevate risk for both parties.
Official Statements & Responses
Alberta Forestry and Parks confirmed a bear warning for the Mount Engadine Lodge vicinity, noting “persistent, dog-focused behaviour” by the grizzly. Alberta Parks cited the June 24 incident as justification for the new warning and for recent tent-camping bans. Parks Canada emphasized evacuation and closure protocols after the Lake Minnewanka incidents. The National Park Service’s guidance advises staying calm, making noise, and using bear spray when available.
Criticism & Opposition
Social-media commenters argued the woman should have carried bear spray or a firearm, despite Canadian regulations prohibiting firearms for bear defense. Others criticized the lack of a visible deterrent, suggesting the video encouraged risky behavior. Some observers questioned the effectiveness of shouting versus remaining silent, reflecting divergent expert opinions.
On-the-Ground Reports
The woman’s own narration, captured on video, describes repeated yelling, a coffee-cup toss, and steady retreat. Witnesses at a nearby camp reported shouting and waving arms to distract the bear while she entered a tent. The bear ultimately left without physical contact.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the object thrown—some describe a coffee cup, others a water bottle. The bear’s age is identified as juvenile in some accounts and as a large adult in others. No official report confirms whether bear spray was present. The exact duration of the encounter varies between “nearly two minutes” and “several minutes.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “stop, enough, no, hey, stop it, go away, bad,” — the woman (video audio)
- “This video was taken by a friend of mine, it is the craziest bear encounter I have seen and it’s a miracle she and her dog made it out of this situation safely,” — Elysia Boyd, Instagram
- “To everyone coming in here with your she should’ve done this and that’ advice and ‘my dog would’ve scared it off!’ or ‘she should’ve had her handgun on her!’ — This is in Canada. This is a GRIZZLY bear. This is NOT a black bear. This is an apex predator that is EXTREMELY aggressive, with massive claws,” — Anonymous commenter
- “The mountains are home to wildlife, and every choice we make can mean the difference between a peaceful encounter and a tragedy.” — Dave Landage, wildlife photographer
- “It’s advisable to put your hands above your head, be loud, and stand your ground.” — Caleb Jacques and Jerry Jacques, Alaska Grizzly Safaris
What’s Next: Ongoing Monitoring and Guidance
Alberta Forestry and Parks will maintain the warning for the Mount Engadine Lodge corridor and monitor bear movements via wildlife cameras. Visitors are urged to review updated safety brochures, carry bear spray, and travel in groups. Provincial wildlife officials plan a spring-summer assessment of bear habituation levels to inform future trail closures or educational campaigns.
