The opening of Timber Chair at Fernie Alpine Resort was delayed on April 11 due to an incident with a wild porcupine.
According to a resort Facebook post, a porcupine spent the night chewing through the lift wiring, rendering the chair inoperable. The little rascal didn’t escape without some recognition. Fernie Ski Patrol assistant director Megan Kelly gave the critter the nickname Larry.
Resort marketing specialist Emma Padgett said maintenance staff caught Larry in the act shortly after they found chew marks on the wires, and they also discovered that he had been living in the space.
Maintenance staff responded quickly to the issue and the chair was open by 9:16 a.m.
Padgett said staff will take steps to secure the space so Larry cannot access the area in future.