Hikers and campers are being warned once again to be on the watch for bears in the Jasper region.

Grizzlies and black bears have been flocking to the area because of strong crops of buffalo berries in the low- and mid-mountain ranges in Jasper National Park, the same areas popular with tourists.

Bears are being attracted to tourist areas by bountiful berry crops.

“Most of our facilities are those low- to mid-elevation areas. That’s where most of our trails are, that’s where a lot of our back country campgrounds are also, and of course our front country campgrounds,” said Wes Bradford, the park’s wildlife conflict specialist.

Bradford says last year’s wet weather is responsible for the strong berry crops.

So far there have been no instances of bears actually knocking someone down, but officials say they are getting nearly a call a day about people bumping into bears on the trail.

Bradford advises people in the area to travel in groups and check for updates on trail closures.

A similar warning was made for the Jasper and Bow Valley regions last month.

Source: CBC news