Grizzly rivals pause to forage for winter

Bow Valley grizzly The Boss captured in nature by photographer Jason Leo Bantle in autumn, 2025

Two well-known local grizzlies seem to have placed their old rivalry on hold as they prepare to hibernate for the winter.

The Boss and Split Lip were within kilometres of each other, eating berries along the railway tracks, when wildlife photographer Jason Leo Bantle spotted them.

“I feel so grateful every time I get to experience The Boss and/or Split Lip; just incredible bears!” said Bantle.

The two bears, estimated to be in the 20s, have often fought for dominance but The Boss is older and has always come out on top.

The railway tracks also provide another food source.

A joint Parks Canada-Canadian Pacific Railway study from 2012-17 estimates about 110 tonnes of grain spilled from train loads each year in Banff and Yoho national parks.

It’s easy food but also dangerous.

Dozens of trains normally pass through every day.

According to Parks Canada, at least three grizzlies were killed on the tracks in the past six months, and one on the highway.

Overpasses and underpasses have helped reduce bear deaths on the Trans Canada, but there has not been a similar solution to reducing the risk of train strikes.