Renowned wildlife photographer, Jason Leo Bantle, has closely observed the dominant grizzly bear in Banff, known as The Boss, for the past decade. Over this period, he has witnessed The Boss, also identified as bear No. 122, solidify his position as the most notorious grizzly in the Bow Valley. The Boss, estimated to be in his late twenties and weighing between 650 to 700 pounds, has shown a remarkable level of comfort with human presence and adeptness in navigating complex situations within his habitat.
The Boss has an extensive home range spanning over 2,500 square kilometers, boasting a compelling history that includes surviving a train collision and causing the closure of a popular Banff trail after consuming a black bear. Despite his long-standing dominance, The Boss faces a new challenger, bear No. 136, also known as Split Lip, who has been encroaching on his territory in recent years.
Bantle has noted an increase in encounters with Split Lip, indicating a shift in the balance of power within the Bow Valley bear hierarchy. Recent sightings suggest that Split Lip is vying for dominance, leading to potential conflicts with The Boss. The emergence of facial scars on The Boss further suggests escalating competition among bears in the region.
If The Boss begins avoiding confrontations or ceding territory, it could signal a decline in his dominance and impact his ability to attract potential mates. Bantle highlights the significance of female bear preference in maintaining a bear’s status as the top bruin in the Bow Valley.
Amid the approaching hibernation period, Bantle’s recent photographs of Split Lip traversing a snow-covered landscape serve as a reminder that some bears remain active. While most bears in the Bow Valley enter hibernation during this time, environmental factors such as weather conditions and food availability influence the activity levels of certain bears, extending their wakefulness into the winter months.
Nick de Ruyter, from the BioSphere Institute’s WildSmart program, emphasizes the importance of bear safety, recommending the carrying of bear spray year-round for hikers and skiers to safeguard against potential encounters with bears and other predators like wolves, coyotes, and cougars.