Aggressive encounters with bears, as tracked by Parks Canada, have been increasing since 2017.
A bear attack in Waterton Lakes National Park on Tuesday left two hikers with non-life-threatening injuries.
Parks Canada said the two visitors were charged by a bear as they were hiking, were bitten, and used bear spray to stop the attack.
“The bear has not been located, and the species is unknown at this time,” Parks Canada said in a statement, adding that its wildlife experts are investigating the incident.
Bear attacks have become increasingly common in Canada, especially in Alberta.
Aggressive encounters with bears, as tracked by Parks Canada, have been increasing since 2017.
Calls in B.C. regarding bears have skyrocketed by 100 per cent and more than 150 black bears have been killed by officers with the B.C. Conservation Officer Service.
While predatory attacks are rare, Parks Canada recommends fighting back, using bear spray, rocks or sticks to show the bear “you are not easy prey.”
Read Full Story: Toronto Star