Tammy Raycraft,
Bruce Peninsula Press
Visitors planning to camp at Cyprus Lake had to make other arrangements this past weekend after Parks Canada temporarily closed the campground in Bruce Peninsula National Park because of bear activity. The closure is expected to remain in effect until September 3.
Parks Canada said they only implements campground closures when necessary, following a careful assessment of the situation.
“The safety of visitors and staff is of the utmost importance to Parks Canada.
The campground has been temporarily closed due to high bear activity that poses a significant risk to public safety,” Parks Canada said in a statement.
They also said they have implemented extensive measures to reduce human-bear interactions at Cyprus Lake Campground, including enhanced visitor education, Bare Campsite messaging, increased staff presence, and active bear monitoring. Despite these efforts, bear activity within the campground has continued to increase.
“The current risk is concentrated within the campground environment, where food and other attractants are present and where bear activity has primarily occurred between dusk and dawn,” Parks Canada stated.
Shauna Eastman camped at Cyprus Lake in late August in the Birches section of the campground as part of a three-week camping adventure. Although warned of the bear activity upon her arrival, and experience camping in bear populated areas, Eastman said she had never had an experience like this before.
Eastman slept with her truck keys and when the alarm went off around 1 am, she let it run for a minute to scare the bear. After silencing the alarm, she could hear scratching on her truck.
“I set the alarm off myself this time. I was so scared. I was afraid to see what damage was done but was too scared to leave the trailer,” she said. “The rest of the night I could hear bear bangers, more vehicle alarms and sirens. The park staff were actively working to keep us safe I believe. Although didn’t help the fear.”
Eastman checked the truck in the morning and found bear prints on the tonneau cover and scratches on her truck.
“I have never been so scared. You could hear the huffing of the bear outside my window and him scratching up my truck,” she said.
Nelia Hernadez has been visiting Cyprus Lake campground since 2007. Her recent trip also looked different this year.
“I was so scared because we are only in a tent and the bear was rummaging the RV next to us,” she said.”
According to Hernadez, the occupant started to scream “hey bear!” and keep sounding the RV horn. The bear then passed by them, sniffed their tent and move to another campsite.
“Car horns were non-stop. That’s the most terrifying camping we ever had. I hope no one gets hurt – human or bear. Kudos to the security staff,” she said.
All visitors camping at the Cyprus Lake Campground were asked to pack up and leave the campground. Parks Canada said they will continue to communicate with incoming campers ahead of their check-in until assessment operations are completed and the campground can be safely reopened.
John and Edith Dunbar are local residents whose property backs onto the park. John said there has been bear activity on their property. While they have only seen one bear, there has been evidence of bear presence left behind.
“That apple tree out there was totally loaded, and they’ve got them all,” he said. “They are around but they are always around.”
According to Parks Canada, day use areas currently remain at a lower risk and are open to visitors. Visitors are encouraged to stay alert, make noise while hiking, keep their distance from wildlife, and follow all posted safety information.
“Parks Canada continues to actively monitor bear activity throughout the park and will implement additional measures, including area closures, if necessary to protect public safety. We will continue to communicate with campers and the public once the campground can be safely reopened,” they stated.
