Canadian skiers were in for a shock when the resident grizzly bear poked its head through the fresh snow for the first time since taking his hibernation nap.
Boo the bear clawed through the powder at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort on March 12 after months of rest and relaxation in a breathtaking moment that was captured on video.
The sluggish and groggy 22-year-old bruin then immediately took a break to take in the sights of the mountain and the first few signs of spring.
“Boo had sensed the warm weather and decided to come out and enjoy some of the sunshine! He will be in and out of his den over the next few weeks,” the British Columbia resort said on social media.
“It’s good to see you, big guy.”
Boo the bear breaches the surfaces after wakening from hibernation at a Canadian ski resort on March 12. Kicking Horse Mountain Resort via Storyful
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort warned that Boo would be slowly adjusting back to life above ground and wouldn’t be easily able to move out of sight of skiers and visitors — despite wanting privacy.
He will likely spend about an hour out of his den per day before retreating to the darkness.
“We continue to ask everyone to be quiet when around the refuge and let the big guy adjust with minimal disruption,” his carers said.
Boo has lived at the 22-acre resort since he was orphaned in 2003, Calgary Herald reported.
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort warned that Boo would be slowly adjusting back to life above ground and wouldn’t be easily able to move out of sight of skiers and visitors — despite wanting privacy. Kicking Horse Mountain Resort via Storyful
Boo has lived at the 22-acre resort since he was orphaned in 2003. Kicking Horse Mountain Resort via Storyful
The sluggish and groggy 22-year-old bruin then immediately took a break to take in the sights of the mountain and the first few signs of spring. Kicking Horse Mountain Resort via Storyful
The beast typically emerges from hibernation each year around mid-March.
This past winter has been warmer than usual, so Boo made several appearances at the resort throughout January.