Bear activity closes part of Nelson/Salmo Great Northern Trail
By Nelson Daily Staff
The Regional District of Central Kootenay, in consultation with local government agencies, is closing a portion of the Nelson-Salmo Great Northern Trail due to bear sightings near Cottonwood Lake.
The BC Conservation Officer Service, regional bear biologists and the Ministry of Forest Land and Natural Resource Operations and RDCK is initiating an annual spring trial closure of the trail south of Cottonwood Lake parking area to Hall Siding.
The closure beings immediately until June 15th.
Signs will be posted accordingly at the entrance to trail closures.
Collared bear data has shown the area from Cottonwood Lake to Hall siding, particularly the areas of Apex and Camp Busk, are heavily used by grizzly bears in the spring.
The bears use this area because of its high valued forage habitat. In most cases the bears move on to higher elevations by the middle of June.
It is felt that an annual closure will help ensure public safety and benefit the local bear population from over exposure.
As black bear and grizzly bear activity is common in the spring and early summer, bears may be present on the trail system throughout the year so please remember to always:
- use caution,
- do not attempt to view or approach bears,
- do not leave garbage or food on trails
