Spring has started and 'The Boss' is back

rtbnnews

Mar 31

Mount Kidd in the Bow Valley

With the start of spring comes the rush of mountain tourists and bears waking up from hibernation. Bear 122, more wildly known as "The Boss", was spotted earlier this month in the Bow Valley area. The 650lb grizzly is normally the last bear to crawl into his den in the winter, and the first to appear in the spring. In his twenty years of life, The Boss has survived being hit by a train and fathered most grizzlies in the Bow Valley.

While bears are not known to attack humans unprovoked, you can never be too prepared for an encounter. Park's Canada discusses the importance of carrying bear spray and gives tips on avoiding bears and how to handle one if you are approached. When in bear country, its important to not only carry bear spray but also know how to use it. If you are unsure how to safely discharge it, check out the specific manufacturer details on the canister. Many hikers make the mistake of keeping their bear spray out of reach, leaving them struggling to grab it before a potential attack. Keep your bear spray on your hip where its easily accusable. Bear spray is the best tool that not only protects you, but does so in a way that does not harm the bear.

With the re-emerging of bears comes a great opportunity to also educate in general wild life safety. Parks Canada encourages mountain goers to 'leave no trace', give animals lots of space, and keep your dogs leashed. It is illegal to feed, lure, or disturb park wildlife and doing so can result in paying fines up to $25,000. Not only do these actions put you at risk of harm, they have deviating impacts on animals. Wildlife could be drawn to roads where they could be killed by vehicles, be drawn to scents of human food and consume garbage, or small animals can become aggressive and bite. When larger animals like bears and cougars become comfortable with humans, they will either be relocated or put down.

The Mountains are beautiful place and it's important to keep them that way. The Boss is one of the many amazing creatures who call this place home. By fallowing tips from Parks Canada, you can keep yourself and the fantastic wildlife around you safe.

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