It’s March 13, 2025, and Alberta’s wilderness is stirring—especially in Banff National Park, where one grizzly bear reigns supreme: The Boss. Known officially as Bear 122, this massive bruin is a living legend, a 650-pound icon who’s dodged trains, snacked on rivals, and fathered half the grizzly cubs in the Bow Valley. For campers hitting Banff this spring, The Boss is more than a cool story—he’s a reminder of the wild heart of Alberta and why bear safety matters. Here’s his tale, plus the gear and tips you need to camp smart in his territory.
Meet The Boss: Banff’s Grizzly King
The Boss isn’t your average bear. Weighing in at 650-700 pounds at his peak, he’s the biggest, baddest grizzly in Banff National Park, with a home range stretching over 2,500 square kilometers across Banff, Yoho, and Kootenay. First spotted in the early 2000s, he’s now pushing 26-28 years old—ancient for a wild grizzly—yet still rules the roost. How do you spot him? Look for a hulking frame, a missing chunk of his right ear, and a snout that’s seen some battles.
His resume’s wild: he’s survived two train collisions (foraging grain off the tracks), eaten black bears (yep, he’s a cannibal), and faced off with rivals like Split Lip in epic showdowns. Parks Canada estimates he’s sired up to 70% of Banff’s grizzly cubs—DNA from wildlife overpasses backs that up. In 2024, he made headlines again, wandering into Canmore and Harvie Heights for crab apples, showing he’s still got moves despite fresh scars from younger challengers. Last seen in November 2024, he’s likely snoozing now, but come late March, he’ll be the first out of hibernation, ruling Banff’s busy Bow Valley.
Camping in The Boss’s Backyard
Banff’s spring camping season—kicking off with frontcountry bookings on January 28 and backcountry on January 29—is prime time to share space with The Boss. Whistlers, Two Jack, and the backcountry trails he roams are buzzing as snow melts and bears wake up. But his presence isn’t just a thrill—it’s a heads-up. In 2023, he bluff-charged Banff residents over fruit trees, proving even a chill legend can get bold when food’s involved. For campers, that means gearing up right.
Here’s what to pack, all under $250 from Amazon:
- Bear Spray
- Why: Your go-to if The Boss gets curious. It’s non-lethal, with a 25-30 ft range to deter him safely.
- Price: $35
- Get It: https://amzn.to/425jBVH
- Bear-Resistant Food Canister
- Why: Locks away smells so The Boss doesn’t RSVP to your dinner.
- Price: $155
- Get It: https://amzn.to/4ivnjxH
- Portable Camp Stove
- Why: Cook fast and clean—less scent to lure him in.
- Price: $105
- Get It: https://amzn.to/3FqhmU4
Tips to Outsmart The Boss
Gear’s half the game—here’s how to camp bear-free in Banff:
- Hang It High: Store food and trash 10 ft up, 100 ft from your tent—or use that canister. The Boss has a nose like a bloodhound.
- Cook Downwind: Set up your stove away from camp, clean up quick—no bacon grease for him to sniff out.
- Make Noise: Shout, sing, or slap a bear bell on your pack—he hates surprises (and so should you).
- Spot the Signs: Fresh scat or claw marks? Move camp—he’s been there.
The Boss’s Legacy
The Boss isn’t just a bear—he’s a symbol of Alberta’s wild grit. Photographers like Jason Leo Bantle have tracked him for years, capturing his reign from snowy meadows to Canmore backyards. But at 26+, his time’s winding down. Younger bears are nipping at his heels, leaving scars on his face and hips (noted in 2024). Parks Canada hopes he’ll retire naturally, not end up a hazard from human food like crab apples—hence Banff’s fruit tree crackdown.
For campers, he’s a call to respect the wild. Banff’s 60-65 grizzlies (a small crew historically) need space, and The Boss reminds us why. Grab your gear, learn your tricks, and camp with confidence—he’s out there, but you’ve got this.
Happy camping,
Addy
Camping with Addy – Gear Up and Camp Out
Camping with Addy 