Banff National Park’s superintendent directed Parks Canada wildlife personnel to relocate a black bear near a popular ski resort due to safety concerns for the public. The decision, made in an email by Sal Rasheed on October 29, 2025, prompted the wildlife staff to move the bear denning close to the Goat’s Eye gondola station and access road at Sunshine Village Ski Resort.
Despite objections from the wildlife staff, Rasheed emphasized the high risk posed to trail users and deemed it necessary to move the bear, likening it to similar actions taken in other high-traffic areas. The staff suggested alternative measures to safeguard both the bear’s welfare and public safety, proposing immediate closure of the den vicinity to people and implementing speed restrictions for vehicle traffic. The ultimate goal was to relocate the access road further away from the den.
The ski resort staff reported the black bear’s presence near the gondola station on October 27, situated perilously close to the access road used by thousands of skiers daily. Concerns were raised about the logistical challenges of managing the flow of skiers during peak hours and the potential public backlash if the road was closed.
Despite wildlife staff advocating for different management strategies to protect the bear and minimize disruptions, the decision to move the bear prevailed. The move was met with resistance from the wildlife team, highlighting the ethical dilemma of displacing a wild animal from its habitat.
The decision to relocate the bear was considered unprecedented by some wildlife experts, expressing concerns over the implications for wildlife management practices in national parks. The move was executed on October 31, with the den secured with boulders by Sunshine Village staff. Subsequent closures around the bear’s new den were implemented to ensure its safety and prevent potential conflicts with humans.
Experts offered varied perspectives on the situation, with some advocating for area closures while others supported the decision to relocate the bear given the proximity to the ski resort. The complex considerations of balancing wildlife conservation with public safety underscored the challenges faced by park management in such scenarios.
