The iconic grizzly known as The Boss has emerged in Banff National Park, signaling the return of bears to Alberta’s landscape. Referred to as Bear 122 by Parks Canada, The Boss, estimated to be in his mid-to-late twenties, is a prominent figure in the Bow Valley and is often one of the first bears spotted in the park each spring.
Wildlife photographer Chris Bloodoff has recently sighted The Boss multiple times, noting his slow movements and extended periods of rest. Bloodoff, a Banff resident familiar with encountering bears in the park, described the experience of seeing The Boss as akin to meeting an old friend who looks unchanged despite the passing years.
Weighing between 650 and 700 pounds, The Boss is the largest bear in the Bow Valley, with his rival being Bear 136, also known as Split Lip. As bear activity increases with the arrival of spring, Parks Canada has restricted access to the Lake Louise Trailer Campground due to seasonal bear activity, emphasizing the need to ensure the safety of wildlife and the public during this period.
As The Boss awakens and begins searching for food, Bloodoff urges people to be respectful and give the bear space to roam undisturbed. With the anticipation of more visitors seeking to catch a glimpse of The Boss, maintaining a safe distance and minimizing disruptions to the bear’s routine are crucial for the well-being of the wildlife in Banff National Park.