According to Parks Canada, the first bear sighting of Spring has been Confirmed
Parks Canada has announced that the first bear out of hibernation has been spotted in Banff, signaling the beginning of spring and the end of a long, harsh winter in the region.
As bears emerge from hibernation in Banff National Park, they are faced with a scarcity of food due to the snow still covering the ground.
Typically between mid to late March and mid-May, these hungry bears spend their time scouring the valley bottoms for food, only moving to higher elevations once the snow disappears and vegetation begins to thrive later in the season.
Early spring season can be a challenging time for bears, and officials are reminding visitors to be vigilant and respectful of these magnificent animals during their search for sustenance.
The 3 most famous bears in Banff National Park are ‘The Boss’, ‘Split Lip’, and ‘Nakoda’.
The first is a large male grizzly known as “The Boss,” who has been a familiar sight in the park for years. According to park officials, The Boss is estimated to be more than 20 years old and is easily recognizable due to his massive size and impressive physical features.
Another grizzly bear that has attracted attention is “Split Lip,” a male grizzly who was named after a distinctive scar on his lip. Split Lip is known for killing and eating other bears.
But perhaps the most remarkable of the trio is “Nakoda,” the rare white grizzly bear. Nakoda, whose name means “friend” or “ally” in the local Stoney Nakoda language, is a unique and rare sight.
Nakoda has gained world-wide popularity after residents on the Bow Valley Network Facebook Group named the majestic animal which was featured on many acclaimed news agencies such as Global News, The Globe and Mail, and even IFL Science.
