Campers are evicted as bears treat site near Squamish, B.C., like 5-star hotel

SQUAMISH, B.C. – Camping has been banned along a stretch of the Squamish River in southern B.C. now that several bears are treating the area like a five-star hotel.

The Anderson Beach Recreational Site north of Squamish, B.C., has been closed to all visitors after a grizzly bear and a black bear sow with her two cubs have been hanging out in the area.

The B.C. Ministry of Forests and Lands says people visiting the park have had several encounters with the bears, which are attracted to human food and garbage.

Officials hope the closure, and lack of human-generated food, will encourage the bears to leave the area.

Another nearby campground had to be closed earlier this month for the same reason, but bear-proof caches have been installed at the area to keep food away from bears. Because Anderson Beach floods, bear caches can’t be used in the area.

Signs have been posted at the site telling people about the closures and the area will remain closed until recreational officers decide it is safe to go back.