Banff National Park’s superintendent made the decision to relocate a black bear near a popular ski resort, despite objections from Parks Canada wildlife staff. The move was prompted by concerns for public safety at the ski resort, as noted in an email from Sal Rasheed to Dylan Spencer, the Banff field unit’s resource conservation manager. The black bear denning near the Goat’s Eye gondola station and access road at Sunshine Village Ski Resort was relocated two days after the decision.
While Rasheed justified the relocation by comparing it to other instances in high human use areas, the wildlife staff believed there were better management options that could protect both the bear’s welfare and public safety. They suggested immediate closure of the area near the den to people and restricting vehicle traffic to lower speeds. Their long-term goal was to realign the access road further away from the den.
The optics of the situation were carefully managed by Sunshine Village staff, who reported the bear’s presence to Parks Canada. The proximity of the bear to the gondola station and the ski resort’s access road raised concerns, especially with the resort’s imminent opening. Wildlife staff recommended various measures, including area closures or hazing the bear, but faced resistance from senior management.
Despite the wildlife staff’s pushback and concerns over setting a negative precedent, the bear was eventually moved on October 31. This decision was made after thorough review and consultation with wildlife management experts. The area around the den was later closed to ensure the bear’s safety and minimize potential conflicts with the public.
Experts in the field expressed divided opinions on the best approach, with some advocating for a closure while others supported the bear’s relocation given the circumstances. The decision-making process highlighted the challenges of balancing wildlife preservation with public safety in high-traffic areas like the Sunshine Village Ski Resort.
Parks Canada did not provide an interview, but emphasized the need to prioritize safety for both the public and the bear. The bear was successfully relocated to a safer den, and the area around its new location has been closed off.
