Two cans of bear spray were found at the scene, and the couple's food had been hung appropriately, according to Parks Canada.

Parks Canada said the bear that killed the couple was not previously known to them and had lower than normal body fat for this time of year.

An area closure has been put in effect in the area through Nov. 30. An estimated 691 grizzly bears live in Alberta, 65 of them in Banff National Park, according to Parks Canada, 

"This is a tragic incident, and Parks Canada wishes to express its sincere condolences to the families and friends of the victims," the statement said. 

"Bear attacks are rare occurrences. Fatal bear attacks are even less frequent. Over the last 10 years, there have been three recorded non-fatal, contact encounters with grizzly bears in Banff National Park. These incidents were the result of surprise encounters. This incident is the first grizzly bear-caused fatality recorded in Banff National Park in decades," Parks Canada told CBC Calgary.

There have been multiple bear euthanizations this fall due to negative bear encounters in Montana. 

How to stay safe in bear country:

• Bear Spray is a key tool while in the outdoors of bear country. Always have it on your person, know how to use bear spray and check trailheads for any bear activity. Bear spray is a life saving tool for you and the bear. Rent bear spray through Hey Bear here starting at just $16.
• Stay alert, especially when hearing or visibility is limited. Watch for environmental indicators of recent bear activity. If there is abundant fresh sign of grizzly bears in the area, consider hunting elsewhere. Let others know when bears and/or fresh sign are observed.
• Some bears may move towards the direction of a gunshot because they associate that sound with animal carcasses. They have learned the sounds and know that hunting activity is going on. Make sure to make noise by yelling “Hey Bear!” and clapping your hands together, so they know a human is close by.
• Travel in groups whenever possible. This can help you make casual noise to alert bears to your presence, and it may also increase your chances of survival in the event of a bear attack. Have a means of contact to be able to call for aid if needed. 

What to do if you encounter a bear:
Every encounter that happens between a human and a bear is different. When an encounter occurs there are a lot of different characteristics you need to look out for. There are two types of charges—bluff charges and aggressive charges.

Being able to identify the charges will help to understand how to react in the moment. Regardless, bear spray is your best friend and can be used in any of these instances.

Bluff charges are more common. This is when the bear intends to scare or intimidate you.

Identify bluff charges by:

• The bear has its head and its ears facing up and forward.
• The bear is trying to make themselves look larger and puff itself up
• The bear bounds in big moving leaps on its front paws toward you, but then stops short or changes direction to the side.
• Often bears retreat and vocalize loudly after a bluff charge.

What to do if a bear is about to bluff charge:

• Slowly back away while waving your arms above your head and speaking in a calm, low voice.
• Do NOT yell; the bear will think you are trying to attack back.

Although less common, aggressive charges are much more dangerous.

Identify aggressive charges by:

• The bear is yawning or clacking their teeth
• The bear is giving warning signs such as pounding their front paws on the ground or huffing
• The bears heard is down and its ears are pointed back
• The bear will charge quickly and directly at you

What to do if a black bear is about to aggressive charge:

• Have your bear spray ready and know how to use it. Deploy it quickly.
• If the bear continues to attack, fight back with everything you have
• Direct your punches and kicks at the bears face if possible
• Use rocks, branches, or bear spray to defend yourself
• Do NOT play dead

What to do if a grizzly bear is about to aggressive charge:

• Play dead; You want to convince the bear you are not a threat
• Cover your head and neck with your hands and arms
• Lay flat on your stomach and spread your legs wide
• Keep your pack on if you have it; it can help protect you
• Stay still and don’t make noise
• Wait until you are sure the bear is gone before standing up again
• If the bear continues to attack, fight back with everything you have
• Have your bear spray ready and know how to use it. Deploy it quickly.

Report all bear encounters 

If you are involved with a bear conflict or encounter, report it to authorities as soon as possible. If you are in the park, notify a park ranger. If the conflict is serious and cell service is available, call 911.

Find bear safety tips and more on our bear education page here.