Safe Haven
Visit the habitats where two orphaned Grizzly bears and three retired
movie-star wolves make their homes.
Imagine a wilderness sanctuary where endangered animals can explore and play, knowing they’re safe and secure. You’ll find all this and more at our research, education and conservation centre on the mountain. The Refuge also offers leading-edge interpretative programs that make learning about nature fun and fascinating - and it’s all included in your General Admission ticket.
Ranger Talks
How do you know when grizzly bears are playing or when they really mean business? Why does one wolf get to feast on a meal before the rest? Why do ravens hover in the sky more at certain times of the
day? Our rangers know. Included in your General Admission ticket are talks by our wildlife experts or check out their blog entries to keep up-to-date on our favourite furry residents.
Ranger Talks have wrapped for the 2011 season. Visit us in spring for Ranger Talk times.
Grinder
Grinder was found in 2001 in Invermere, BC. He was wandering alone on a logging road, dehydrated, thin, weak and weighing only 4.5 kg. His mother was never found so we’ll probably never know why he was alone. Grinder is outgoing and high-spirited. And he has established himself as the dominant bear despite his smaller size. If you see Grinder and Coola play fighting, you can bet he started it.
Coola
In 2001, Coola was found orphaned on a highway near Bella Coola, BC. His mother had been killed by a truck and, of her three cubs, Coola was the only one to survive. Coola is an easygoing bear who’s content to let Grinder take the lead in new discoveries. He can usually be found submerged up to his neck in the large pond, carefully feeling around for his underwater 'bath toys' - a log, large bone and favourite rock.
Grey Wolves
The timber wolves of the Grouse Mountain Refuge for Endangered Wildlife are retirees from the movie industry. Originally born into captivity and hand raised, the wolves were unable to be released into the wild. Now they make their home within a large protected habitat at the base of the Mountain, where they can roam freely and explore their surroundings. They can often be spotted from our parking lot or as you travel up the Skyride.
Hummingbirds
Grouse Mountain is an active participant in the North American Hummingbird Monitoring Network. Our team maintains a feeding station on top of the Mountain and carries out hummingbird monitoring sessions every two weeks in the spring and summer. By carrying out this important research every year, a larger picture of hummingbird ecology, migration and behavior is being put together across North America.