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Fun Facts About Whistler's Black Bears


  • Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains are home to up to 60 black bears that live within ski area habitats.

  • Black bears can move extremely fast, up to 50kmh/hr. In fact, they can run better uphill than they can downhill!

  • Whilst called black bears, these animals come in a variety of colors, from cinnamon to deep brown to black.

  • Whistler has a much higher concentration of mother bears and cubs than any other habitat in B.C. 

Black Bear Whistler
Photo: Christie FitzPatrick
  • Bears have eyesight and hearing as good as, or better than, that of humans. A bear's sense of smell is 7 times more powerful than a bloodhound's. 

  • Bears are omnivores, with vegetation making up about 80% of their diet and the remainder coming from small animals.

  • Black bears are excellent climbers and are often seen scaling trees. Their claws give them great grip, and the branches offer cubs safety from predators.

  • Bears are naturally shy and will generally avoid people. The best way to prevent an unpleasant bear encounter is to avoid them too!

  • Black bears live for an average of 18 years in the wild, but the record is an impressive 39 years.

  • Black bears can weigh 30% more in the fall than in the spring!

  • Black bears love to eat garbage. Make sure you never litter or leave food/garbage in your car or any outside area. A fed bear is a dead bear!

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