Kootenay National Park wardens have laid charges after visitors came too close to roadside bears.

Officials implemented an 11-kilometre no-stopping zone along Highway 93 South near Radium last week to protect a mother grizzly bear with cubs and several other bears feeding on grasses and dandelions.

There was major congestion in the area as motorists and photographers tried to catch a glimpse or snap a picture of the bears.

Prior to the restrictions going into effect, park wardens laid two charges against visitors.

“There was one lady who was taking pictures within three or four meters of a black bear, which is crazy close,” said Jim Mamalis, park warden supervisor for Lake Louise, Yoho and Kootenay national parks.

“The black bear was getting disturbed — his ears were back, he was getting all stiffened up in his gait and those are signs the bear is getting stressed.

“It’s also a sign that (the bear is) about to do something so lucky for her it didn’t.”

The woman was charged with disturbing wildlife in a national park, which carries a maximum fine of $25,000.

In a second case, a photographer was charged with a traffic offence.

“He was being quite rude and stubborn with the resource officer,” said Mamalis.

“Finally, after they asked him enough times, he decided he would move on but his version of moving on was driving slowly down the road and pulling a U-turn on the highway and driving slowly back down the road in that general area, taking pictures from his vehicle.”

The photographer was charged with crossing double solid lines.

Mamalis said additional charges against other motorists are being considered since the restriction went into effect.

“For the most part, once the no-stopping zone took effect, people are taking heed of that,” he said.

“There’s still some people stopping, but the ones who are stopping, the resource staff are asking them to move on.

“Then we get the odd photographer who is quite stubborn and rude and not listening at all to the direction being given by resource staff, so that’s when we have to lay a charge.”

Mamalis said charges could be issued by a summons in the mail after the incident.

The no-stopping restriction between McKay Creek and Cobb Lake will be in effect until the wildlife moves to higher elevations, which he expected will be at least another week.

There are also closures and warnings in effect around Lake Louise and Banff townsites, where several bears are still foraging.

cderworiz@calgaryherald.com