Why the other options are wrong:

• a long-term closure of Banff campgrounds.: The report mentions temporary trail restrictions, not a long-term closure of campgrounds.
• new fines for hikers in Alberta.: Fines are mentioned briefly, but the main topic is the rise in bear encounters, not new fines.
• a decline in visitors due to spring weather.: The report says early snowmelt brought people and wildlife out sooner than usual; it does not report a decline in visitors.

Correct Answer: twenty-seven sightings or close encounters.

Why this is correct: The transcript clearly states there have been twenty-seven reported sightings or close encounters since the start of May. This is the exact number given by officials.

Why the other options are wrong:

• about forty bear encounters.: Forty percent is the increase compared to last year, not the number of encounters.
• seventeen bear encounters.: Seventeen is not mentioned anywhere in the report.
• fewer than twenty encounters.: Twenty-seven is more than twenty, so this answer is incorrect.

Correct Answer: early spring increased natural food sources.

Why this is correct: The transcript explains that the warmer spring accelerated berry growth, which drew bears closer to trails and campgrounds. The early spring increased natural food sources for the bears.

Why the other options are wrong:

• hikers frequently leave food behind.: Food storage warnings were issued, but hikers leaving food behind is not given as the reason bears appear more often.
• new trails opened near campgrounds.: No new trails are mentioned as being opened near campgrounds.
• bear populations doubled since last year.: There is no mention of bear populations doubling.

Correct Answer: temporary trail restrictions at certain times.

Why this is correct: The transcript says several trails have been placed under temporary restrictions, with short closures during peak morning and evening hours. These are temporary measures at specific times of day.

Why the other options are wrong:

• relocation of bears from Bow Valley.: There is no mention of relocating bears from the Bow Valley.
• permanent closures of popular trails.: The closures are temporary, not permanent.
• a ban on unguided hiking.: There is no mention of a ban on unguided hiking.

Correct Answer: balancing public access with wildlife safety.

Why this is correct: The wildlife specialist said the goal is to give bears space while still allowing people to enjoy the park safely. This shows Parks Canada is trying to balance public access with wildlife safety.

Why the other options are wrong:

• focused mainly on generating fine revenue.: Fines are mentioned but are not the main focus of Parks Canada's approach.
• planning to keep restrictions all summer.: The transcript says restrictions will be reassessed in mid-June depending on bear movement and public compliance; it does not commit to keeping them all summer.
• downplaying the risks to hikers.: Parks Canada issued warnings and implemented restrictions, so they are not downplaying risks.