Renowned wildlife photographer Jason Leo Bantle has had a firsthand look at the grizzly bear hierarchy in Banff. Over the past decade, he has been closely following bear No. 122, famously known as The Boss, as he solidifies his position as the most notorious bear in the Bow Valley.

The Boss, estimated to be in his late twenties, is considered old for a wild grizzly bear, weighing between 650 and 700 pounds. With a vast home range of over 2,500 square kilometers, The Boss has survived being hit by a train and caused a stir by consuming a black bear in Banff.

Despite his dominance, The Boss faces a new challenger in bear No. 136, also known as Split Lip, who has been encroaching on his territory. Bantle noted an increase in Split Lip sightings in areas previously dominated by The Boss, indicating a potential shift in hierarchy.

Recent encounters have shown facial scars on The Boss, suggesting he has been engaged in territorial disputes with other bears. If The Boss starts avoiding confrontations or losing territory, it may impact his status as the top bear in the Bow Valley.

With some bears still active before hibernation, Bantle’s recent photos of Split Lip navigating a snow-covered landscape serve as a reminder of ongoing bear activity. While most bears hibernate during this season, environmental factors such as food availability can influence their behavior.

Nick de Ruyter from the BioSphere Institute’s WildSmart program emphasized the importance of carrying bear spray year-round for safety during outdoor activities, considering potential encounters with bears or other predators like wolves, coyotes, and cougars.

As the bear activity appears to decrease with the approaching winter, precautions remain essential for those exploring bear country.