Banff National Park First to Mandate New Rules for Hiking (Calgary Herald)

Bear spray mandatory on popular Banff hiking trail

By Valerie Berenyi, Postmedia News July 27, 2011 5:36 PM

CALGARY — For the first time in a national park, Parks Canada has mandated that until Sept. 15 hikers on the popular Lake Minnewanka Trail in Banff National Park must travel in a tight group of four or more with at least one person must carry bear spray at all times.

"We want to reduce the potential for another bear attack in that area and we want people to understand just how serious the situation is if they choose to go hiking there," says Steve Michel, a human-wildlife specialist with mountain park.

The maximum fine for not complying is $25,000 under the National Parks Act.

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