A popular back country ski area in Kananaskis Country has been closed due to grizzly bears.

Officials say the Black Prince area is closed until further notice because a mother and her three cubs have started denning there.

Over 100 skiers and snowshoers frequent the area on a busy winter day.

The grizzly was put on the province’s threatened list two years ago after it became clear their numbers were on the decline.

Public safety specialist Jeremy Mackenzie tells The Calgary Herald they want to give the female grizzly some space, and they’ll be taking another look once the bears begin to hibernate.