Two hikers were charged by Parks Canada after an incident involving an off-leash dog and a grizzly bear on a popular trail in Banff National Park.The incident, captured on TikTok and viewed millions of times, shows the dog running between the hikers and the bear.Parks Canada spokesperson James Eastham stated the dog was off-leash, violating regulations that require pets to be leashed within national parks.The law mandates a three-metre leash length to protect both wildlife and pets.If convicted, the hikers could face fines up to $25,000.Wildlife experts emphasize the risks of off-leash dogs, noting bears may react aggressively to perceived threats.The incident highlights broader concerns about wildlife safety and the need for strict enforcement of park rules.Parks Canada advises visitors to carry bear spray, make noise to avoid startling animals, and travel in groups.The case also underscores the vulnerability of grizzly bears, a threatened species in Alberta, facing habitat loss and human-wildlife conflicts.
Original title: Parks Canada charges hikers after grizzly bear run-in with off-leash dog in Banff National Park
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