Banff National Park’s superintendent directed wildlife staff to relocate a black bear near a resort ski area despite their objections, citing public safety concerns. The decision was made to move the bear away from the Goat’s Eye gondola station and access road at Sunshine Village Ski Resort. Wildlife staff suggested alternative management options to protect both the bear and the public, including immediate closure of the den area and restrictions on vehicle traffic speed. However, park management insisted on relocating the bear as the best course of action.
The move sparked debates among experts, with some supporting the decision based on potential risks to skiers and the bear’s behavior while denning. Others expressed concerns about setting a precedent for relocating denning bears, emphasizing the importance of considering the animal’s welfare and ecological integrity in national parks. Despite the internal disagreements, the bear was successfully relocated, and the den area was secured.
Parks Canada faced criticism over the handling of the situation, with some wildlife experts suggesting that a complete area closure might have been a better approach. The decision-making process highlighted the challenges of balancing public safety with wildlife conservation efforts in high human-use areas. Moving forward, continued monitoring and collaboration between wildlife experts and park management will be crucial in addressing similar wildlife management scenarios effectively.