As days lengthen and temperatures rise, black bears in national parks all across the country begin to move around the forest in search of insects, nuts, and berries. But they also venture beyond the parks’ boundaries, making their way into gateway communities to look for food. In cities and towns surrounding popular destinations like Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this situation can pose a serious threat to bears and humans alike — increasing the need to educate park visitors of all ages on proper bear etiquette and food storage practices.

Parks Canada is advising boaters on the Trent-Severn Waternway National Historic Site that expedited single-chamber lockages will be in place at the Kirkfield Lift Lock site for the beginning of this year’s season.

Denali National Park mountaineering rangers were kept busy during the weekend with two rescues involving three climbers, one who endured a sliding fall of roughly 900 feet.

Before my first giddy moment alone on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail in Virginia, I stood in a parking lot across from the trailhead studying a stern sign and feeling anxious.