Adorable wildlife sighting from the slopes of Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort in British Columbia, Canada where a baby black bear was spotted monkeying around a chairlift tower.
The video was taken yesterday by Brennon O’Grady as he road up the Fitzsimmons Express Chairlift with a group of mountain bikers to ride the Whistler Mountain Bike Park.
As you can see, momma bear was nearby monitoring the situation but it looks like the cub was had the situation well and did not need any help getting either up or down the vertical access ladder.
Whistler is an legendary destination for skiing and snowboarding in the winter but its summer operations are world class as well, especially the mountain biking. Considered by some as the number one lift-accessed downhill bike park in the world, Whistler Mountain Bike Park features 70 expertly-crafted trails spread throughout four distinct mountain zones and offers the most terrain of any bike park in North America.
Mountain bikers at Whistler should be aware that bears share the land they ride on and be prepared for encounters as they can and very often do happen. Learn more about bear safety at Whistler below.
Whistler Resort Municipality Bear Safety On Trails 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
