Behind the Scenes with Boo
Many of you have been asking how Boo is doing, so we thought it was time for an update!
At 24 years old, Boo continues to impress us all. Standing an incredible 7 feet tall and currently weighing 295kg (650lbs), he remains a remarkable ambassador for bears and wildlife conservation.
With this year’s unusually mild winter, Boo spent more time out of his den than we typically see. However, he wasn’t very active during this time and spent most of his days doing what bears do best—napping in the sunshine! Although he was frequently visible outside his den, he did not fully emerge from his winter rest until early April. In fact, Boo wasn’t offered his first meal of the year—a simple lettuce snack—until he had been consistently awake for four consecutive days.
This is completely normal behaviour for grizzly bears. Unlike true hibernators, grizzlies enter a state called torpor, a period of reduced activity where their heart rate, breathing, metabolism, and body temperature decrease significantly to conserve energy throughout the winter. During torpor, bears can wake up and move around periodically before returning to rest, especially during mild weather conditions.
At 24 years old, Boo is beginning to enter what would be considered his golden years. In the wild, grizzly bears typically live 25-30 years, meaning Boo would already be considered a senior bear. Bears in human care often live significantly longer, with life expectancies commonly reaching 35–40 years. The oldest recorded bear living in human care reached an incredible 56 years of age.
As Boo gets older, we are placing an even greater focus on his health and wellbeing. Our team has been working on cooperative care training, which allows Boo to voluntarily participate in many aspects of his healthcare. Through positive reinforcement training, Boo is learning behaviours that help us closely monitor his health as he ages while minimizing stress.
The goal of this training is to make routine medical procedures as comfortable as possible for him. By choosing to participate, Boo can help our veterinary team perform procedures such as injections, blood draws, physical examinations, and other health assessments without the need for unnecessary restraint or sedation. This approach not only reduces stress but also allows us to provide better preventative care and respond more quickly to any age-related health concerns that may arise.
Since fully emerging this spring, Boo has been thoroughly enjoying the warmer temperatures and all the sights and smells that come with the season. He’s been active, curious, and keeping our team busy as always!
We’re also excited that the gondola is now fully operational again. This allows us to resume our regular food drops from above, an important enrichment activity for Boo. By distributing food and supplements throughout his habitat, we encourage natural foraging behaviours, giving him the opportunity to search, explore, and work for his treats just as a wild bear would.
Thank you to everyone who continues to support Boo and the Refuge. Your support helps us provide the highest level of care and enrichment for this amazing old bear.
We look forward to sharing more updates as the season progresses!
Words by: Cindy Peacock, Grizzly Bear Refuge Animal Welfare Coordinator, KPA CTP, FFCP, CPDT KA, CBCC KA.
- Published in Summer
Canada’s Top Via Ferrata Opens This Summer — And the Best Alpine Hiking Awaits
“Some of the best views come after you’ve stepped beyond your comfort zone.”
What if this summer was the one where you tried something new?
At Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, adventure begins the moment you step into the gondola. Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself on Canada’s highest-rated Via Ferrata or simply wander through alpine terrain surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery, there’s no shortage of ways to experience the Rockies from a different perspective.
The Via Ferrata offers a unique opportunity to venture into steep alpine terrain in a safe and accessible environment. Translating to “iron path,” a Via Ferrata is a protected climbing route that follows the mountainside using a fixed steel cable system. Climbers are connected to the cable at all times using specialized harnesses and safety equipment, allowing them to experience the thrill of alpine exposure with the guidance and support of experienced guides.
Along the way, you’ll navigate suspension bridges, metal rungs, ladders, carved steps, and cliffside traverses—all while taking in unforgettable views of the Rocky and Purcell mountain ranges.
Never tried a Via Ferrata before? No problem. There are three route options designed for different comfort and experience levels.
The Pioneer Route is the perfect introduction. Accompanied by a guide, you’ll cross the Hanging Glory Suspension Bridge and explore the first section of the mountain. It’s a great way to experience the excitement of the Via Ferrata—and fair warning, you’ll probably want to keep going.
Looking for a little more? The Discovery Route delivers a taste of everything. Suspension bridges, exposure, iron rungs, technical sections, and plenty of mountain views combine to create an unforgettable alpine adventure. It’s the ideal next step for those ready to push a little further.
For the ultimate challenge, the Ascension Route takes climbers all the way to the summit of Terminator Peak. Covering 465 vertical meters, this route follows the ridgeline between the Rocky Mountain Trench and the Purcell Mountains before reaching one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the region. Home to the famous “Guts Bridge,” the Ascension Route is widely regarded as one of the most scenic and technical Via Ferrata experiences in North America.
If clipping into a mountainside isn’t quite your style, the alpine still has plenty to offer.
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort features eight hiking trails that wind through ridgelines, alpine bowls, and wildflower-filled meadows. Each trail offers its own unique perspective of the surrounding peaks, giving hikers endless opportunities to slow down, explore, and soak in the beauty of the Rockies and Purcells.
Whether you’re chasing a summit, crossing a suspension bridge, or enjoying a leisurely alpine hike, there’s an adventure waiting for you at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort.
Book your Via Ferrata tour on our website.
Words by Daniel Soto. Photos by Devin Featherstone
- Published in Summer, Uncategorized
The Canadian Rockies Celebrity You Need to Meet
A chairlift ride, mountain views, and a face-to-face encounter with a grizzly bear. That’s just your average summer day here at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort!
Sitting high above Golden, British Columbia, the Kicking Horse GrizzlyBear Refuge is home to Boo, arguably British Columbia’s most famous grizzly bear and one of the most famous in Canada. While visitors come for the stunning alpine scenery, exhilarating mountain biking, and hiking trails, many leave talking about one thing: their unforgettable encounter with Boo. In fact, meeting Boo will likely be the highlight of your multi-generational, epic family summer adventure!
What makes a visit so special is that Boo isn’t pacing around a small enclosure. His 20-acre habitat is filled with natural terrain where he can forage, explore, play, and behave much like a wild grizzly. On any given day, you might spot him digging for snacks, wandering through the forested slopes, or bathing in one of his four cool pools.
Boo’s Beginnings
Boo’s story began near Quesnel, BC in 2002 when he and his brother, Cari, were orphaned after their mother was killed by a poacher. Named after the Cariboo mountain region in which they were born, the cubs were rescued and brought to Kicking Horse, where a purpose-built 20-acre mountainside refuge was created to give them a safe home. Tragically, Cari passed away during his first winter dormancy, leaving Boo as the refuge’s sole resident.
In 2006, Boo made national headlines after escaping the refuge during mating season in search of a female grizzly. True to form, he eventually returned home on his own, proving that even grizzly bears appreciate a good home base!
Start Your Visit at the Interpretive Centre
Before you even spot Boo, take some time to explore the Interpretive Centre located at the entrance to the Grizzly Bear Refuge. This interactive space is packed with information about grizzly bears, wildlife conservation, and the different bear species found around the world.
Visitors can compare bear skulls and tracks, learn how to identify grizzly and black bears, discover what bears eat, and gain a deeper understanding of the important role bears play in healthy ecosystems. It’s a fun and educational stop for both kids and adults, helping visitors appreciate just how remarkable these animals truly are.
Ranger Assist Program
If you want an even closer look, the Ranger Assist Program offers a behind-the-scenes experience with the refuge team. Limited to just five participants per tour, this exclusive program provides a unique opportunity to learn how Boo’s habitat is managed and how the team supports his wellbeing throughout the year. It is one of the most memorable wildlife experiences in the Rockies.
The refuge’s mission goes beyond simply showcasing a bear. Through daily interpretive tours, visitors learn about grizzly behaviour, habitat conservation, and the challenges bears face in today’s changing landscape. The knowledgeable guides bring Boo’s story to life while helping guests gain a deeper understanding of one of Canada’s most iconic wildlife species.
Add Boo to Your Summer Bucket List
Don’t miss your chance to meet the most famous grizzly in the British Columbia! Buy your ticket to see Boo online or book your Ranger Assist Program by calling Guest Services.
or
Book your Ranger Assist Program by contacting Guest Services | 250-439-5554 or toll-free 1.866.SKI.KICK (754-5425).
Ranger Assist tours are limited to five guests and must be booked at least one day in advance.
- Published in Summer, Uncategorized
Three Generations, One Chairlift: Making Family Memories at Kicking Horse
They say the mountains bring people together—and after an unforgettable opening day at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort’s bike park, we can officially confirm it! With our toddler leading the charge, Nanny riding her first-ever chairlift, and mama and dada sneaking in some sweet bike laps, our multi-generational crew found the perfect mix of adrenaline, connection, and ice cream.
Day-Tripping from Calgary
Just a few scenic hours from Calgary, Alberta, this day trip turned into one of those rare, golden family experiences we’ll be talking about for years. We rolled out early, coffee in hand and all the toddler snacks onboard, ready to chase a sunny spring day in the Rockies. The drive itself set the tone—winding through towering peaks (literally) and lush valleys, it already felt like an adventure before we even pulled into the parking lot.
Base Area Activities
Our first stop? To the Adventure Centre to collect our passes and hit the restrooms, while Nanny ventured inside to Whitetooth Grill for some caffeinated bevies.
Next stop was to base area pump track which Sylas crushed like a tiny pro, while Nanny cheered us on between sips of iced coffee.
Ride Time for Mom and Dad
With Nanny and Sylas happily wandering off to the Kicking Horse playground, we set off for some laps on Catamount Chair, which gives access to fun, flowy trails perfect for all types of bikers, including noobs. Superberm was a highlight—a bit of a challenge (for me), some baby airs, and exactly the kind of trail that reminds you why mountain biking is such a rush.
A Lift Ride to Remember
Once we reunited, it was time for the main event: Nanny’s first-ever chairlift ride! She clutched Sylas’s hand with excitement as we floated above the trees, headed toward Boo the Bear’s sanctuary.
Seeing Boo, a real-life grizzly up close, is an unforgettable experience for anyone—especially if you’ve never seen a real-life griz! Sylas hasn’t stopped talking about Boo since, and we’re pretty sure this outing has earned a top spot in the “best family memories” vault.
Before hitting the road back to the city, we took one last walk around the base area to check out the retail store for toddler-approved stickers and ice cream (a non-negotiable mountain treat).
Reminiscing, it was the kind of day that reminds you how special it is to share the outdoors with the people you love—no screens, no rush, just real connection.
Make Your Own Memories
Want to simplify your planning? Call RCR Central Reservations to inquire about all-inclusive packages, overnight stays, and family-friendly itineraries. Let them take the guesswork out of your Kicking Horse mountain getaway so you can focus on what matters: more laughs, more firsts, and more time together.
📞 Call: 1-800-258-7669
📧 Email: information@skircr.com
- Published in Summer
A First-Timer’s Guide: One-Day Itinerary at Kicking Horse Bike Park
Summer has arrived, ushering in long, sun-drenched days ideal for outdoor escapades. For those near Calgary, Alberta, a day trip to Kicking Horse Bike Park in Golden, British Columbia promises not just feasibility, but an exhilarating adventure. With the extended daylight, you can enjoy a full day of biking and still make it back to the city with daylight to spare. The scenic drive itself is an added bonus, offering classic Rocky Mountain vistas and a straightforward route.
Our Action-Packed Itinerary
6:45 AM: Depart from Calgary. 9:30 AM: Arrive at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and kickstart your day with a delicious latte from Double Black Café.
10:00 AM: Start your biking adventure on the Catamount chairlift. Early season conditions may leave some snow at the top, closing certain trails, but the Catamount runs are long and
exhilarating, perfect for warming up. Remember, don’t get off at the grizzly refuge; continue straight to the top where your bikes will be waiting. Begin your biking with Trapper’s Trail (the gravel road) to Easy Rider for a warm-up, green run.
10:45 AM: Next, pre-ride Superberm. This mix of machine-built trail and single track will give you a preview of the big mountain experience at the top. All features can be rolled, so take it easy and enjoy the ride.
11:30 PM: Head up the gondola and have lunch at Eagle Eye Restaurant. Enjoy the phenomenal 360-degree views while refueling for the afternoon ahead.
12:30 PM: Take your time cruising down the gravel road to the top of the green run, Dragon Chaser. Connect with the green run, Training Wheels, and then transition onto Magic Carpet, a blue trail with a nice mix of technical and flowy sections. Cross the road to the newest section of the trail, then drop into Road Runner and hit the wall rides on Trappers Trail. Continue on Trappers Trail to take your re-ride run on Superberm, or challenge yourself with Swamp Donkey, which offers a rollable jump line. The entrance to Swamp Donkey might be intimidating, but the trail is well worth it!
2:00 PM: At this point, you may be exhausted as these are big mountain runs. If so, opt for a visit to Boo the grizzly bear, who lives in a 20-acre refuge right on the resort. There’s a daily guided tour at 2 PM, and if you’re lucky, you’ll see Boo soaking in his cool pool and dancing around.
Screenshot
If you opt for more biking, you can either head back to the top of the gondola for another run or two, or aim to squeeze in a few more runs from the Catamount chair. Free ride Superberm because it’s just that fun but hit the jump zone on the final descent.
3:30 PM: When the lifts stop spinning, head to Peaks Grill for a well-deserved après-bike reward.
5:00 PM: Hit the road for a smooth ride back to the city, arriving home before dark.
Tips for a Safe Day
● Pre-Ride, Re-Ride, Free Ride: Take your time, especially on your first day of the season and your first runs on unfamiliar trails. Your body and brain need time to adjust to your bike and assess your abilities.
● Safety First: Always wear protective gear and stay hydrated.
● Know Your Ability: While challenging yourself is the name of the game in action sports, don’t hesitate to walk sections that are beyond your technical prowess.
● Build the Skills: If you’re still feeling intimidated, build upon your skills with a lesson from the experts at the mountain bike school.
Ready to ride? Grab your bike gear, rally your buddies, and hit the trails at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort for an epic adventure!
*Disclaimer: This itinerary is intended for beginner to intermediate riders. If you’re an advanced or expert, head straight to the top and rip it up on the many black and double black runs that makes Kicking Horse legendary!
- Published in Summer
Kicking Horse Living Offers a Different Pace of Life
As our gondola cabin flies past the third tower, the Columbia Valley comes into focus to the south. North America’s second-longest river winds along banks already turning green in the spring sun while a bounty of late-season powder awaits in the alpine. It looks like a fantasy landscape. “This is why we live here,” a spry fellow in his 50s says, shooting me a knowing wink. He gets it: there’s no competition here, no glitz, no glam. It’s just us and the mountains—an unvarnished, direct relationship. There are few places like it, and fewer you can call home.
Now brimming with self-confidence at 25 years old, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort knows exactly what it is—one of the last holdouts of authentic mountain living in the frenzied world of resort developments. Sat in the Purcell Mountains’ Dogtooth Range above the blue-collar town of Golden, Kicking Horse is a confluence of giant landscapes and simple values. It’s a tight-knit community of homeowners and Golden locals whose priorities are exactly the same: unfiltered mountain life in the largest setting possible, with as few distractions as possible. Think Whistler or Jackson if no one was there, and you’d start to get the picture, but still miss some of the nuance.
There’s 1,315 metres (4,314 feet) of vertical drop spanning ski terrain that’s rowdy enough to host a
Freeride World Tour event, or mellow enough to baby sit the kids. All of it funnelling back to a single base area that feels like a family ski hill, and all of it at elevations resilient enough to deliver over 6.5 metres of dry, consistent snow every winter. A small village with restaurants, cafes, pubs, and shops keeps the vibe centralized, making it easy to find your friends and neighbours. Some of whom might be just as entranced by the perfect pitch of the Dawn Mountain Nordic area only a hop away.
Come summer there’s a raucous downhill bike park to keep the energy going, or the Moonrakers cross-country mountain bike network, where you can flow endlessly through untrammelled forests of cedar, spruce, and pine that orbit the year-round resort. You can likewise spend long, warm days hiking or running the lofty alpine trails via gondola, or go it with human power alone. Whatever you choose, you’ll be in good company—but no too much company. And that’s the point. When you have the biggest outdoor recreation in North America at your doorstep and a decidedly small cadre of like-minded souls to share it with, you don’t need much else. And that’s the way we like it.
—-
Construction is well underway for the final phase of The Cedars development and sales have already started! This first release of homes will be on lots 19, 20, 21 and 22 and will be ready by Spring 2025.
4 Bedrooms / 3 bathrooms – 2594 luxurious square feet – Starting at $1,499,000
At The Cedars, healthy mountain living is a priority, offering clean air, pristine water, and a vibrant lifestyle. Commitment to High Performance goes beyond energy efficiency – it’s about enhancing your comfort. All Season Comfort, Climate-Resilient, All-Electric, Net Zero Energy Ready homes.
See the Buyers Guide for more information.
Contact Ned Johnson directly, njohnson@innovationbuilding.com, for all the details on the straight forward ‘Developer, direct to Purchaser’ sales process.
- Published in Real Estate, Real Estate, Summer, Winter
The Cedars at Kicking Horse – The Final Phase
Sales launch June 20th!
We are excited to share that construction has started for the Final Phase of the Cedars. Sales will start Thursday June 20th, 2024!! This first release of homes will be on lots 19, 20, 21 and 22.
Contact Ned Johnson directly, njohnson@innovationbuilding.com, for all the details on the straight forward ‘Developer, direct to Purchaser’ sales process.
Your home will be ready next Spring. Joining the amazing Cedars community will be a breeze!
See the foundation for homes 21 and 22 shown here. We are pouring concrete for footings today!!
View from the deck of Cedars 21_22.
Where Mountain Modern meets High Performance
4 Bedrooms / 3 bathrooms – 2594 luxurious square feet – Starting at $1,499,000
At The Cedars, we prioritize healthy mountain living, offering clean air, pristine water, and a vibrant lifestyle. Our commitment to High Performance goes beyond energy efficiency – it’s about enhancing your comfort. All Season Comfort, Climate-Resilient, All-Electric, Net Zero Energy Ready homes.
- Experience double wall insulation, draft-free interiors, consistent heating and cooling year-round.
- Breathe Easy with 24/7 fresh, filtered outdoor air and abundant natural light from our passive house certified windows.
- Fresh interiors, light and bright.
- 9-foot ceilings on the first floor and 10-foot ceilings on the second floor.
- Private paved driveway, with more covered parking outside.
- Rough in ready for Fast Charging EV station.
- Rough in ready for hot tub.
- And we haven’t forgotten the luxury part, see our Buyers Guide (in the link above) to learn more about all the fine finishes.
Rest Assured knowing you’re purchasing directly from the builder-developer, ensuring a seamless experience. We deliver on our promises.
Don’t miss out on your last chance to be a part of the Cedars community.
Stay tuned for regular updates and talk to you soon,
Ned
#CedarsatKickingHorse #kickinghorsemtn #champagnepowder
- Published in Real Estate, Summer, Winter
Innovation in Action: Third Phase of Kicking Horse Cedars Neighbourhood Goes “Mountain Modern”
Ned and Rachelle Johnson’s move from Whistler to the BC Rockies and Kicking Horse Mountain Resort came from the desire to “live in a real working person’s town.” From 1992 to 2005, Johnson worked side by side with Rod Nadeau at Georgie-Award-winning Innovation Building Group, creating some of Whistler’s most iconic residences.
In 2005, Nadeau and Johnson purchased a lot at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, a sprawling, magnificent canvas of skiing terrain just outside of Golden, British Columbia, He cut a deal with Rod Nadeau, his business partner in Whistler, to bring on some projects at the diamond in the rough resort, and oversaw the design, construction and completion of the Palliser Lodge, a 48-unit condo hotel located in Kicking Horse’s central plaza.
“We’ve been here for 19 years, and we absolutely love it. Rod and his team still manage projects in Whistler, Pemberton and the Sunshine Coast and there has been plenty to keep me busy around here.”
Innovation’s current project is Phase Three of The Cedars; a bare-land strata project that backs onto the Dawn Mountain Nordic Trails. Phase one and phase two featured similar lots and were sold before the pandemic.
It was just the breather that Johnson needed to re-think what a truly revolutionary mountain home concept might look like.
Johnson explains: “Coming out of the pandemic, labour and material costs are up 30 to 40 percent.
Financing and insurance are up too. It would seem natural to “dumb down” our designs, but we won’t. We’re going remain true to our company philosophy and build carbon-neutral, climate-resilient, high-performance homes and have proud new homeowners living in homes with efficiency standards that will not be law until 2032.”
Johnson canvassed as many Kicking Horse homeowners as he could; not just in The Cedars but in other developments, to find out what they loved about their homes, and what they would change. Combined with his own experience in building a variety of innovative projects—including the newly-completed award-winning Oso in downtown Golden—Johnson created the concept of “Mountain Modern” Duplex homes to make up Phase 3. “There has to be an aesthetic that strikes a balance between space-wasting and energy-wasting 12,000 square foot Western gothic cabins on steroids and tiny, almost windowless Passive Houses.”
“When we talk about building a high-performance house, most people think that it’s going to involve a lot of up-front costs that will save money down the road. At Innovation, we’ve been in the game long enough to learn from our mistakes and know what works and what doesn’t. Building high-performance does not have to cost more and it will save you money from the beginning. Investing in more insulation, great windows, a well-sealed envelope with fresh conditioned air, and your mechanical systems can be smaller while occupier comfort increases. Right out of the gate, your energy consumption is less. We can truly build better homes that are more energy efficient without breaking the bank. High-performance homes are simply a better way to live.”
He continues: “The cost savings are in the efficiencies. It’s not one piece of technology like a heat pump or a solar panel, it’s an entirely organic, interdependent system. These are homes that maintain the 
decorative touches that homeowners love, such as timber beams. Many people think a high-performance home uses very little energy, and while that’s true, the most tangible benefit is in providing mountain-high air quality, even temperature control, and warm, diffuse natural interior light without any harshness in cold winters and hot summers. The system is designed so that tradespeople can come in and easily act upon the technical drawings and specifications. Service cavities make it easy for electricians to come in and staple wires to the inside of the wall. We source triple-pane, argon gas windows from Poland that have twice the insulative value that the best windows in North America can provide. You literally can hold your hand up to the glass on the coldest day of the year and it will feel warm to the touch.”
Since the 1950s, “flat roofs” have long been a distinguishing design feature of modern homes. These Mountain Modern homes will are designed with gently sloping roofs that are designed to prevent “ice damming” which occurs when warm air escaping from the roof melts and freezes into a layer of ice. Come springtime, melting water from the roof pools behind this ice dam can compromise the home’s entire structure. Each home has enough load-bearing capacity to hold an entire winter’s worth of snowfall accumulation.
Johnson concludes: “Clean lines translate into building well-insulated, air-tight homes. We do not want to make vanilla boxes, either. We emphasize using climate-resilient materials, which means that you may use synthetic compounds in highly-exposed areas like sundecks. Electric fireplaces and engineered wood floors are more energy-efficient and cost-effective than natural materials. Most of the people who own second homes up here don’t want to be spending their time maintaining their investment.”
Details:
The Cedars, Phase III will be selling and commence construction this summer, with a planned completion date of Fall, 2025. Sign up on Kicking Horse Mountain’s website under Real Estate/Cedars and you will receive the Buyers Guide with the most up-to-date information on sale prices and sales dates.
- Published in Real Estate, Summer, Winter
Scalli Mag Rebuild Announcement
The new section of Scalli Mag trail is open! Scalli Mag serves as the connector trail between Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and the CBT and Moonraker Trail networks. Prior to the recent work, the trail was around 2.5km of single track linked with a 2km double track section which made for a fun and fast pace downhill ride but a tough climb back up. Thanks to the vision and fundraising of a group of homeowners from the Kicking Horse community and in collaboration with other key stakeholders, the trail got some welcomed enhancements and now makes for a great climb and descent for bikers of all abilities.
The new build is comprised of multiple single track sections that weave across the old double track. With nice open berms and a winding trail through the trees, the pedal back up is no longer so daunting!
Scalli Mag can be accessed from the resort just off Palliser Trail, directly across the street from Parking Lot 1. The trail finishes at the Cedar Lake turn off on Tallis Creek FSR making for an easy connection to Twisted Sister, Hemiptera, or Odonata.
The new trail work on Scalli Mag could not have been done without the support from all those involved. We would like to give a huge thank you to John Parry and friends from the community at Kicking Horse, the Golden Cycling Club, the Golden Community Foundation, and Brady Starr and Steve Crowe from Starr Trail Solutions.
- Published in Summer
Spring – Summer Boo Update
Before spring turned into summer, Boo awoke from his den to a chilly start on March 20th. This spring had a generous amount of rainfall which gave him a break from the insects while nourishing all of the vegetation and other life within his habitat. Boo spent much of his time foraging within his enclosure, eating up horsetails, roots, sedges, dandelions, and grasses.
On the other end, our team members were hard at surveying vegetation to see what food was growing inside the habitat. Some of the species within his enclosure include Mountain Ash, Western red-cedar, Wild raspberry, Thimbleberry, and Common horsetail. Summer is the season for bear food! Soon there will be a large verity of berries produced at the elevation of the Bear Refuge, but not quite yet. The staff has slowly started introducing berries into Boo’s diet because these plants are beginning to be productive at the bottom of the valley.
Golden has started to see some hotter days for the summer. Unlike humans, bears cannot thermo-regulate, so, Boo will avoid the sun by resting in his ponds and under trees to combat the heat. Our staff will also make him “Bear Popsicles” to help him cool down. This is usually composed of fruit or meat frozen in a broth and then dropped into one of his pools or shaded areas. Now, if Boo is not foraging, he is napping in daybeds, relaxing in his pools, or playing enthusiastically with hiding enrichment.
Boo is 20 years old as of this winter, officially a senior bear. Grizzly bears have an average life expectancy of 20 – 25 years in the wild, depending on where they live. Even in his older age, Boo is still spry and playful, and we expect him to be at the refuge for a long time. To celebrate his life and Grizzly Bear research and rehabilitation in BC, we will celebrate his 20th year on July 9th and 10th. Kicking Horse Resort will host fun educational workshops, activities, and presentations. Please see our website’s Events & Activities section to learn more about this celebration.
-Grizzly Bear Refuge Staff
