In Banff National Park, the superintendent instructed Parks Canada wildlife staff to relocate a black bear near a popular ski resort despite their objections, citing public safety concerns. The decision to move the bear from its den by the Goat’s Eye gondola station and access road at Sunshine Village Ski Resort was made on October 29, 2025. Wildlife staff proposed alternative management options to protect the bear’s welfare while ensuring public safety and minimizing resort impacts, suggesting immediate area closures and restricted vehicle traffic speeds. The goal was to eventually realign the access road away from the den.
Concerns were raised about the optics of the bear relocation, as it could be seen as compromising the park’s ecological integrity for the benefit of a private business. Despite wildlife staff’s reservations, the bear was moved on October 31, with the den subsequently blocked by Sunshine Village staff. The decision was met with criticism from wildlife experts, with some believing a full area closure would have been a better approach.
Differing opinions among experts highlighted the complexities of managing wildlife in high human-traffic areas. Gord Stenhouse emphasized the unpredictability of bear behavior in response to disturbances, while Martyn Obbard supported the precautionary approach taken by management. The decision to relocate the bear was ultimately based on prioritizing public safety and minimizing risks to both visitors and the bear.