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.
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!