Parks Canada has once enacted a temporary ‘no stopping zone’ in Kootenay National Park to protect wildlife and people.

Starting at noon today (May 18) a 13-km no-stopping zone will be in place between Kootenay Valley Viewpoint and McKay Creek compound on Highway 93. This zone includes Olive Lake and most of the area between Kootenay Valley Viewpoint and the Radium Hot Springs.

“The early season green-up and dandelions along this 13 km stretch of Highway 93 near Olive Lake sees a high concentration of bear activity as they emerge from hibernation. Safety is a top priority for Parks Canada and this temporary no stopping zone and small area closures are in place to keep bears, motorists, visitors and staff safe and allow wildlife like black bears and grizzly bears to feed undisturbed,” Parks Canada stated in media release.

Impacted areas include:

– 13km no stopping zone along Hwy 93 from McKay Compound to Kootenay Valley Viewpoint (Southern portion of Kootenay National Park above the hot springs);
– area closure of Olive Lake Day Use site;
– area closure for the north and south bound brake checks (except for vehicles legally required to stop).

Other visitor opportunities in the area are open and include trailheads for Cobb Lake, Kimpton and Redstreak Creek.

“Safety is of utmost importance for Parks Canada. The agency needs the support of the public in keeping people and wildlife safe. We would like to remind people that feeding wildlife and disobeying legal closures or no stopping zones is illegal. Parks Canada wildlife and law enforcement officers, with assistance from the local RCMP detachment, will routinely patrol the area to ensure motorists are complying with the no stopping zone. Parks Canada Law Enforcement and the RCMP have the ability to lay charges if motorists are not in compliance with the no stopping zone or if people are feeding wildlife,” Parks Canada outlined.

Lead image: The area included in the no stopping zone has been a busy wildlife corridor for many years. The zone was established last year, too, as a mother grizzly and two cubs called the area home and are doing so again this year. e-KNOW file photo

e-KNOW

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