The Albert Loop Trail at the Eagle River Nature Center is now closed due to the presence of bears feeding on spawning salmon. The trail has closed each fall since 1997 to reduce bear and human conflicts in the area.
The trail was closed Aug. 15, according to an announcement posted on the Department of Natural Resources website, which noted that black and brown bears use the bridges and beaver dams along the trail as fishing platforms. The seasonal closure will remain in place until around freeze-up, when the department said the animals typically go into hibernation.
The closure does not impact other trails at the center, including the Crow Pass, Rodak Loop (and viewing platforms) and Dew Mound trails.