Dangerous wildlife

Whistler is home to some dangerous wildlife species, including black bears, grizzly bears and cougars. Learn which animals to watch out for, how to stay safe and how to help keep these animals safe and wild.

Black bears

Grizzly bears

  • Grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) also live in and around Whistler.
  • Grizzly bears tend to avoid human-populated areas and are not sighted as frequently as black bears.
  • Learn about grizzly bears and how to avoid a bear encounter.
  • Learn how Whistler is working to keep local bears wild.

Cougars

  • Whistler is home to cougars (Puma concolor), also known as a mountain lions, pumas or panthers.
  • While these large cats generally stay hidden in the landscape away from humans, there are occasions when cougars frequent hiking and biking trails or even residential neighbourhoods in Whistler.
  • Learn more about cougars.

Other dangerous wildlife

Other dangerous wildlife species found in Whistler include bobcats and coyotes. While wolves and wolverines are also known to occur here, they are not seen as frequently.

Information on local wildlife sightings

The Wildsafe BC Wildlife Alert Reporting Program provides updates on wildlife sightings and response by the BC Conservation Officer Service and other agencies. Check the map for wildlife activity, encounters and response in Whistler or elsewhere in BC. Species included in this alert program are black bears, grizzly bears, bobcats, cougars, coyotes and more. You can also sign up for email or Facebook alerts for specific locations.

Download the BC Wildlife Federation’s conservation app for iPhone users to report an unlawful hunt of dangerous wildlife.

Resources