Mountain biker jumps over black bear.
Mountain biker jumps over black bear.

Whistler Blackcomb is world renowned for it’s skiing and snowboarding as the largest resort in North America. While skiing and snowboarding doesn’t currently run into the summer, there are plenty of other activities around the two mountains during the summer months.

The Whistler Mountain Bike Park is known as one of the best lift-accessed mountain bike parks in the world, with everything from beginner to full blown professional level trails spread around the mountain. Additionally the Peak 2 Peak Gondola provides visitors with draw dropping views all year round.

The Whistler area is also filled with remarkable wildlife, with over 40 black bears and cubs calling the two mountains their home. The resort even provides bear viewing tours in a comfortable 4×4 vehicle for those hoping to catch sight of these animals in the wild. With recreation occurring alongside these animals throughout the year, encounters between athletes and animals like this one involving a mountain biker aren’t entirely uncommon.

The rider in the video was unaware of the bear’s presence before hitting the jump, and both bear and biker were okay afterwards. If you encounter a bear in the wild, whether it’s a black bear or grizzly bear, you should give as much space as possible and back away slowly the way you came. Read more on black bear safety guidelines below.

Whistler Bear Safety Guidelines:

Both black bears and grizzly bears live in Whistler. Bears prefer to avoid people; even if a bear appears comfortable, stay at least 100 metres away. Bears can be motivated to go near people if they smell food or a scent they believe is edible.

Trail tips:

  • make noise by clapping or talking loudly to make sure any nearby bears will hear you
  • travel in a group of four or more when hiking, especially in grizzly habitat
  • avoid trails at dawn and dusk
  • carry bear spray and understand how to use it
  • keep dogs under control and on leash — dogs can provoke defensive behaviour in bears
  • never feed a bear

If you see a bear:

  • give the bear as much space as possible; back away slowly
  • check around for other bears, cubs or a food source
  • back away slowly the way you came or give the bear a very wide berth, if you must continue
  • speak calmly and firmly to show you aren’t threatening

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