Boo Update

Shortly before noon on Saturday, July 8, Boo (the orphaned Grizzly Bear that had recently escaped from the 22 acre Kicking Horse Grizzly Bear Refuge) was spotted wandering along the outside of his refuge area.

Within 40 minutes Boo was back in the refuge area, after going in of his own accord.

Staff were immediately concerned by Boo's condition, as it appears that Boo has lost a considerable amount of weight and he appeared weak and tired. It is believed Boo returned as he recognized the refuge as his main source for food.

This behaviour is consistent with predictions by a number of bear experts who have said that Boo is not a good candidate for release into the wild, as he did not have time to learn adequate forage and survival skills before his mother was killed by a poacher in 2002.

While our refuge has a long-term objective of rehabilitating Grizzly bears for release back into the wild, in the short-term we are working with Ministry of Environment officials to ensure and improve the humane treatment of these large animals as a possible step towards that objective.

During the afternoon on Saturday, Boo was observed eating, resting and sleeping. He appears to be regaining some strength.

As soon as the employees of the resort were able to, they notified the appropriate authorities, including the Ministry of Environment, the B.C. Conservation Officer Service, local authorities and the RCMP.

At this time, public safety is a high priority given that Boo has compromised the refuge area twice. We are monitoring him closely during all daylight hours, and throughout the night. If at any time Boo either escapes, or attempts to get out, we will know, and be able to once again issue the appropriate notices.

The staff of the refuge will continue to monitor Boo's activities closely, and Boo will undergo a full examination when the time is appropriate. In conjunction with the Ministry of Environment, we will be outfitting Boo with a radio tracking collar as soon as one becomes available.

During Boos' return on Saturday, he did not appear agitated or hostile. Neither Boo's safety, nor the safety of the employees or guests of Kicking Horse Mountain Resort were ever in peril. Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, along with the Ministry of Environment, continue to work together to find the best solution for Boo.

The Kicking Horse Grizzly Bear Refuge was set up to give Grizzly bear cubs that were orphaned at a young age a second chance at life, and a life that was as normal as possible. It is the intent of the refuge to work towards being able to rehabilitate and release appropriate candidates back into the wild some time in the future.