The B.C. government is asking people to stay away from the Anderson Beach Recreation Site, north of Squamish.

Human encounters with a grizzly bear and a black bear sow with two cubs prompted the closure of the site on August 2.

According to the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, the bears were attracted to the site by human food and garbage.

"It is critical the recreation site be free of these types of attractants for a period of time or the bears will start to permanently associate the site with food. Unfortunately, even short visits are potentially dangerous and will ultimately encourage the bears to stay in the area," a news release, issued today (August 11), states.

"Signs have been posted in the area reminding people of the closure. The recreation site will remain closed until recreation officers have confirmed the bears have moved along."

The Anderson Beach Recreation Site lies along the Squamish River, and offers opportunities for beach activities, camping, fishing, hiking, and picnicking. It features walk-in campsites with "no infrastructure".

On July 4, the Levette Lake Recreation Site, also north of Squamish, was closed due to the presence of three black bears. It has now reopened with bear caches.