Home > Outdoor

Grizzly Kills Couple, Dog in Banff National Park

A grizzly has killed two backpackers in Canada's Banff National Park. Park officials shot the aggressive bear and closed that area.
a grizzly bear(Photo/Shutterstock)
Support us! GearJunkie may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Learn More

A version of this story originally appeared on ExplorersWeb.


A grizzly has killed a husband and wife in a remote corner of Canada’s Banff National Park. The two were experienced backpackers, a family friend told the media. The couple’s dog also died in the attack.

The incident occurred Friday evening around 8 p.m. in the Red Deer River Valley. This is an isolated part of the park with trails but no nearby roads. Banff wardens received a GPS alert indicating a bear attack.

When the response team reached the site at 1 a.m., they found the two dead campers and an aggressive grizzly nearby, according to the Cochranenow newspaper. Park officials shot the grizzly and later closed the area within the black square, below.

a map showing an area of Banf National Park that is closed
The area of Banf National Park closed after the fatal bear attack; (map/ExplorersWeb)

At this time of year, grizzlies are feeding heavily in order to put on fat for the winter. It is also a popular hiking time across the Rockies, with cooler temperatures and the bright golden colors of larch and aspen. Several recent incidents with bears have taken place elsewhere in the Canadian Rockies.

There were 26 bear attacks in Canada in 2022, including four fatalities.

a landscape of yellow larches with mountains in background
The scenery and good weather in Banff National Park in late September draw many hikers into bear country; (photo/Jerry Kobalenko)
a grizzly bear walking

Suspected Fatal Grizzly Attack Forces Closure of Popular Montana Trail

Wildlife officials are still searching for the bear suspected to be involved in the attack. The woman was believed to be hiking alone. Read more…

Subscribe Now

Get adventure news and gear reviews in your inbox!

Join Our GearJunkie Newsletter

Get adventure news and gear reviews in your inbox!