Banff’s legendary grizzly bear ‘The Boss’ removes tracking collar

Bear 122, a large male grizzly known by locals as 'The Boss,' is seen in Banff. (Jason Leo Bantle/All in the Wild Photography)

Parks Canada says one of Banff’s best-known bears has managed to ditch his tracking collar.

The data from GPS collars gives Parks Canada a better understanding of grizzly bears and the stability of their habitats.

Officials say Bear 122, a large male grizzly known by locals as ‘The Boss,’ was captured using a culvert trap on May 13 as part of ongoing grizzly bear monitoring.

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“Bear 122 is a well-known, wide-ranging bear that spends significant time near populated areas and is frequently observed by visitors,” Parks Canada said.

“However, within a week, he was able to remove the collar.”

The bear is believed to be in his late 20s and some 700 pounds.

Parks Canada says it’s “not unusual” for a large male grizzly to remove his collar.

Grizzlies are currently designated as a threatened species in Alberta.

Parks Canada estimates there are 691 grizzly bears in Alberta, including 65 grizzly bears in Banff National Park.

Last month, a grizzly cub was killed in Banff National Park after being hit by a train.

The cub was one of two seen with well-known female Grizzly Bear 142.