GRIZZLIES OUT EARLY
Active bear seen near Banff
Warm temperatures have stirred a grizzly bear out of his long winter’s nap.
The first grizzly of the season was spotted near the Sunshine Overpass, just outside of Banff townsite, on Friday. The large male, believed to be either The Boss or Split Lip, wandered out of his den weeks earlier than normal and was seen by a Parks Canada conservation officer.
“She came across some grizzly bear tracks in the snow, then made a little bit of noise and, shortly thereafter, a bear appeared on the trail in front of her about 50 metres away,” said Blair Fyten, human-wildlife coexistence specialist with Parks Canada.
The officer didn’t get a good look at the bear but its size and location suggest it was either No. 122, The Boss, or No. 136, nicknamed Split Lip for his disfigured mouth, he said.
Last year, No. 122 was captured on camera outside of his den on March 19, and March 24 the year before. Both grizzlies weigh upwards of 650 pounds.
However, Fyten said it’s not surprising the grizzly has emerged earlier than normal due to consistent warmer temperatures. Even if temperatures drop again, it’s unlikely the bear will go back to its den.
Now that the grizzly has surfaced, he’ll be on the hunt for food.
Food is sparse this time of year, but Fyten said it’s expected the big bruin will wander the nearby train tracks to look for grain dropped from travelling trains, and animal remains.
“He’s probably going to drop into the valley bottom and look for carcasses that maybe wolves or cougars have killed, like deer or elk,” he said.
Rather than hibernation, bears go into a dormant state called torpor at the start of winter each year.
“What actually happens is their respiration is reduced, their heartbeat goes down to a third of the normal rate and their body temperature drops a little bit,” said Fyten.
“Bears are able to rouse themselves in the den and move around, and casually poke their head outside and come back in.”
Now that one bear has emerged it’s only a matter of time before others ditch the den for spring activity.
Fyten said those who come in contact with wildlife, such as grizzlies, should make noise, maintain distance and leave the area. He recommends people travel in groups, keep dogs on leash and carry bear spray with knowledge of how to use it.
In particular, Fyten warns snowshoers and cross-country skiers to be aware, because they might not expect bears at this time of year.
Wildlife sightings can be reported to Parks Canada at 403-7621470.