Renowned wildlife photographer Jason Leo Bantle has closely observed the dominant grizzly bear in Banff known as The Boss for the past ten years. Over this period, The Boss, estimated to be in his late twenties and weighing between 650 and 700 pounds, has become a prominent figure in the Bow Valley bear community.
The Boss has demonstrated a remarkable level of comfort around humans and in his natural habitat, showcasing adeptness in navigating complex situations. Noteworthy feats in his resume include surviving a train collision and causing the closure of a popular Banff trail after being spotted consuming a black bear.
With a vast home range spanning over 2,500 square kilometers, The Boss has earned his place as a grandfather in the bear hierarchy. However, a new contender, bear No. 136, also known as Split Lip, has emerged to challenge The Boss’s dominance in the Bow Valley.
Recent sightings of Split Lip encroaching into The Boss’s territory indicate a shifting dynamic in the bear hierarchy. Bantle has observed an increase in encounters with Split Lip in areas traditionally frequented by The Boss, suggesting a potential power struggle between the two bears.
Facial scars on The Boss hint at confrontations with rival bears vying for dominance. Bantle explains that if The Boss starts avoiding fights or loses territory, it could impact his standing among female bears for mating opportunities, potentially altering his status as the top bear in the Bow Valley.
As some bears delay hibernation, Bantle’s recent images of Split Lip in a snowy landscape serve as a reminder of the ongoing bear activity in the region. While most bears in the Bow Valley enter hibernation during this season, environmental factors like weather conditions and food availability influence some bears to remain active into the winter months.
Nick de Ruyter from the BioSphere Institute’s WildSmart program emphasizes the importance of carrying bear spray year-round for safety during encounters with bears and other predators while hiking or engaging in outdoor activities in bear country.