The Bow Valley residents were surprised and excited when they heard that ‘The Boss’ was in town. However, instead of the famous rock star, it was actually an adult male grizzly bear with the same name who decided to come by for a snack. The bear made his way from Harvie Heights down into Canmore, where he was observed by Nick De Ruyter, program director with Wildsmart. Ruyter described the bear’s stroll as uneventful, noting that the bear didn’t show any aggression and was simply doing his own thing. Other residents, like Howard Hepburn, agreed that the bear, while having a bit of a reputation, was generally well-behaved.
Despite the bear’s relatively good behavior, it could have been trouble if residents weren’t careful. Ruyter emphasized the importance of not leaving out items like pumpkins, pet food, greasy barbecues, garbage, and compost that could attract bears into town. He urged the community to take responsibility for keeping bears out of trouble by being more mindful of their actions and environment. Canmore’s protective services manager, Caitlin Miller, explained that the town has strict bylaws in place to mitigate interactions between people and wildlife, and those who fail to comply may face steep fines.
When wildlife officials receive reports of bears coming into town, there is a set of protocols they follow to ensure the safety of both residents and the animals. These protocols include closing off areas, removing attractants, and only resorting to trapping, moving, or euthanizing a bear as a last resort. Ruyter stressed that the goal is always to manage the situation without harm to the bear. Residents who spot dangerous wildlife in the Bow Valley are encouraged to contact Fish & Wildlife at the provided phone numbers for assistance.
The incident with ‘The Boss’ the bear serves as a reminder of the importance of coexisting with wildlife in areas like the Bow Valley. While the bear may have been relatively harmless on this occasion, the potential for conflict exists when humans and wildlife come into close proximity. By following guidelines, such as securing food sources and reporting sightings of dangerous animals, residents can help minimize these interactions and keep both themselves and the animals safe. It is a shared responsibility of the community to ensure the well-being of all creatures living in the area.
In conclusion, the presence of a bear named ‘The Boss’ in the Bow Valley town of Canmore caused a stir among residents, leading to reminders about the importance of wildlife safety and coexistence. While the bear’s behavior was generally non-aggressive, it highlighted the need for residents to take precautions to prevent attracting bears into town. Additionally, strict bylaws and protocols are in place to manage interactions between people and wildlife, with fines in place for those who fail to comply. By working together and following guidelines, residents can help ensure the safety of both themselves and the animals that share their environment.
