Parks Canada says one of Banff’s best-known bears has managed to ditch his tracking collar.
The data from GPS collars gives Parks Canada a better understanding of grizzly bears and the stability of their habitats.
Officials say Bear 122, a large male grizzly known by locals as ‘The Boss,’ was captured using a culvert trap on May 13 as part of ongoing grizzly bear monitoring.
“Bear 122 is a well-known, wide-ranging bear that spends significant time near populated areas and is frequently observed by visitors,” Parks Canada said.
“However, within a week, he was able to remove the collar.”
The bear is believed to be in his late 20s and some 700 pounds.
Parks Canada says it’s “not unusual” for a large male grizzly to remove his collar.
Grizzlies are currently designated as a threatened species in Alberta.
Parks Canada estimates there are 691 grizzly bears in Alberta, including 65 grizzly bears in Banff National Park.
Last month, a grizzly cub was killed in Banff National Park after being hit by a train.
The cub was one of two seen with well-known female Grizzly Bear 142.