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Bears on N.W.T.'s Cameron Falls Trail prompt advisory

The territorial government is asking the public not to use the Cameron Falls Trail, a popular hiking spot about 47 kilometres east of Yellowknife, due to bear sightings in the area.

The trail is located in Hidden Lake Territorial Park along Highway 4, also called the Ingraham Trail.

Dean Cluff, a biologist with the territory's Department of Environment and Natural Resources, says there have been repeated sightings over the last week of cinnamon-coloured black bears.

Cluff says that in itself is not alarming but there have also been reports of people feeding the bears.

"There was a report of someone seeing a couple of bears fighting over this pile of dog food."

"So someone may be trying to feed the bears. They seem to be fairly skinny, and maybe out of sympathy trying to feed them," Cluff says.

He says bears can become unpredictable and dangerous when they get used to being fed by people.

"When it loses its fear of people then it can attack or be aggressive and try to get food."

This time of year bears are trying to get more food and energy for hibernation. Cluff says they need to eat about 20,000 calories a day.

"That's a lot of food...it's a whole bunch of Big Macs so to speak, a whole bunch of hamburgers and greasy food. They need to put on a fair bit of weight to make it through the winter."

Cluff says they believe three to four bears were in the area, but one has since been shot.

In a press release, the territorial government also advises the public to refrain from using the trail's parking lot. It says a temporary blockade is restricting access to Hidden Lake Territorial Park to ensure public safety.

Cluff says people can call the 24-hour emergency wildlife number 867-873-7181 if they need to get in touch with an officer.