Theeeey're back!
With spring making a return to the Rockies, bears in Banff National Park are waking from hibernation and becoming increasingly active.
And that includes the massive grizzly known as The Boss, spotted on a trail camera.
Parks Canada is reminding visitors and residents to stay alert, follow safety guidelines, and respect any area closures put in place to protect both the public and wildlife during this sensitive time.
The Boss is the dominant bear in Banff, topping the scales around 650 lbs.
He has mated with most of the females in the park and his cubs are now populating the area.
On their Facebook page, Parks Canada warned bear activity is expected to rise sharply in the coming weeks, prompting officials to potentially implement temporary closures in areas where bear presence is high.
These restrictions are designed to minimize human-wildlife conflict and allow bears to move freely through their natural habitat.
Travelers are advised to take precautions when venturing into bear country. Recommended safety measures include making noise on the trail, carrying accessible bear spray and knowing how to use it, watching for signs of bear presence such as tracks or torn-up logs, and staying in groups of four or more. Dogs should be leashed at all times or left at home, as they can provoke defensive behaviour from bears.
Staying on official trails and hiking during daylight hours is also strongly encouraged. If a large dead animal is discovered, visitors should leave the area immediately and alert Parks Canada.
All sightings of bears or other carnivores — including wolves and cougars — should be reported to Banff Dispatch at 403-762-1470.
