Banff grizzly decides spring has arrived despite long, hard winter

BANFF, Alta. – Officials at Banff National Park say the first bear of spring could be a sign that Alberta’s long, cold winter may finally be on its way out.

Banff resource officer Mike Grande (GRAWN’-day) says the 225-kilogram male grizzly was spotted by a rail crew a couple of days ago west of the Banff town site.

He says the animal still had plenty of winter fat, and, despite heavy snow, was probably convinced to come out because of warmer weather after months of below-average temperatures.

Grande says this is about as early as he has seen a male grizzly come out of hibernation.

The usual time is early April.

Males come out of hibernation first, followed by females with cubs in early May.