Banff National Park’s superintendent directed Parks Canada wildlife staff to relocate a black bear near a popular ski resort due to safety concerns. The decision was made to ensure the safety of the thousands of trail users. Despite objections from wildlife staff, the bear denning near the Goat’s Eye gondola station and access road at Sunshine Village Ski Resort was moved on October 31, 2025.
While wildlife staff suggested alternative management options to safeguard the bear’s welfare and public safety without relocating it, the superintendent insisted on the relocation. Concerns were raised about the optics of the decision, with staff highlighting the potential negative impact on the bear and the public perception of the park’s ecological integrity.
The decision to move the bear was met with resistance from wildlife staff, who argued against the precedent-setting action. Nevertheless, the bear was relocated, and the area around its den was closed off. Despite efforts to explore other options, Parks Canada concluded that moving the bear was the best course of action for public safety and bear welfare.
Experts in the field had differing opinions on the best approach, with some suggesting a complete closure of the area and others supporting the decision to relocate the bear. The complex situation highlighted the challenges of balancing wildlife protection with public access to park areas.
Parks Canada did not respond to interview requests, but a statement from a field unit spokesperson justified the decision based on the bear’s behavior and the operational traffic near the den. The bear was successfully relocated, and the area around its new den has been closed off to ensure its safety and minimize disturbances.
The case sparked a debate among wildlife experts on the appropriate measures to take in such situations, emphasizing the importance of considering various factors, including wildlife behavior and human activity in park areas. Ultimately, the decision to move the bear was made in the interest of both public safety and wildlife conservation.