"Boss” emerges from hibernation
Grizzly with killer reputation is first to be spotted this year in Banff
Grizzly bear No. 122, known by locals as “The Boss,” is out of hibernation and wandering around in Banff National Park.
The roughly 300-kilogram bear, well known for eating a black bear and more recently being the father of at least five of the younger bears in the national park, was caught on a remote camera image near Castle Junction on Thursday.
“It’s the first confirmed sighting this spring,” said Brianna Burley, human-wildlife conflict specialist with Parks Canada.
Last year, No. 122 was first spotted by a train crew on March 16 so Burley said he’s right on schedule for coming out of hibernation.
The remote camera is set up at the site of an ongoing research trial as part of a project between Parks Canada and Canadian Pacific Rail to reduce grizzly bear mortalities on the transportation corridor.
It includes teams of internationally recognized experts in the fields of conservation biology, animal behaviour, transportation research and bear biology studying everything from vegetation along the tracks, a grain aversion program and overall bear behaviour.
The photo shows No. 122, not currently wearing a GPS collar, checking out a research site.
Burley, who’s based in Lake Louise, Yoho and Kootenay, said none of the collared bears are out of their dens yet, but they will also be coming out shortly.
“It’s a good time for folks to get brushed up on bear safety,” she said, noting it’s important to make sure your bear spray is working and carry it when out doing activities.