Parks Canada implementing no stopping zone in Banff to protect bears [Video]

Parks Canada said it is implementing a no-stopping zone along the Bow Valley Parkway in Banff National Park to protect two bears that have been persistently showing up along the railway track since April 2.

The 320-metre stopping zone is located between Baker Creek and Protection Mountain Campground and was implemented after several reports of bear jams, unsafe parking and people leaving their vehicles to approach the bears in the past 10 days. Parks Canada said a safe opportunity to view wildlife cannot be accommodated in the area.

Parks Canada staff and law enforcement will routinely patrol the area to make sure people are complying with the no-stopping zone. Penalties range from a $115 ticket to a mandatory court appearance and maximum fine of $25,000, Parks Canada said.

“As bears leave the tracks to avoid trains, they may move quickly and suddenly towards the road. This is particularly unsafe for people who are …