Renowned wildlife photographer Jason Leo Bantle has been closely observing the notorious grizzly bear known as The Boss in Banff’s Bow Valley for the past decade. The Boss, also identified as bear No. 122, has become a prominent figure in the region, displaying a growing comfort with human presence and demonstrating adeptness in navigating complex situations over the years.
At an estimated age of mid-to-late twenties, The Boss is considered elderly for a wild grizzly bear, weighing approximately between 650 and 700 pounds. His notable encounters 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 exceeding 2,500 square kilometers, The Boss has carved out a significant territory for himself. Despite his dominance, a new challenger, bear No. 136, nicknamed Split Lip, has emerged in the Bow Valley. Split Lip’s increased sightings in areas traditionally frequented by The Boss suggest a shifting dynamic in the bear hierarchy, with the two engaging in dominance battles.
Recent sightings indicate that Split Lip is encroaching on The Boss’s territory, potentially challenging his supremacy. Bantle noted visible facial scars on The Boss, indicating confrontations with competing bears. If The Boss begins avoiding fights and relinquishing territory, it could impact his standing among female bears for mating opportunities, potentially jeopardizing his status as the top bear in the Bow Valley.
As some bears delay hibernation, Bantle’s recent photographs capture Split Lip in a snow-covered landscape, highlighting the continued bear activity. Environmental factors such as weather conditions and food availability influence bear behavior during the winter months. While bear activity may decrease, it is advisable for outdoor enthusiasts to carry bear spray year-round to ensure safety in potential encounters with bears or other predators like wolves, coyotes, and cougars.