Banff National Park’s superintendent directed Parks Canada wildlife staff to relocate a black bear near a popular ski resort despite objections, citing public safety concerns. The decision was made to ensure the safety of the thousands of trail users at the resort. The bear was moved away from the Goat’s Eye gondola station and access road at Sunshine Village Ski Resort based on an email from Sal Rasheed, dated Oct. 29, 2025.
Wildlife staff proposed alternative options to manage the situation, suggesting immediate closure of the area near the bear’s den to people and implementing restrictions on vehicle traffic speeds. They also recommended realigning the access road further from the den to safeguard both the bear and the public.
Concerns were raised about the optics of moving the bear and the potential backlash from the public. Despite Wildlife staff’s reservations, the decision to relocate the bear was made. The bear was moved on Oct. 31, and the den was secured with boulders by Sunshine Village staff. Following the relocation, a closure for the west side of Eagle Mountain was implemented by Parks Canada on Dec. 5, affecting the same black bear that was moved earlier.
While wildlife experts had differing opinions on the best approach, the decision to move the bear was based on prioritizing public safety and mitigating risks. Despite the challenges faced during this situation, the welfare of both the bear and the public remained a top priority for Parks Canada.
The decision to relocate the bear was not taken lightly, considering the potential impact on the bear’s health and behavior. Parks Canada emphasized the importance of consulting wildlife experts to make informed decisions in such situations.