When wildlife meets modern society, the results are often what we don’t want. Sad really.
A tragic incident on the Trans-Canada Highway resulted in the deaths of a rare white grizzly bear and her two cubs within a span of 12 hours in Yoho National Park, according to Parks Canada officials.
The Ironbark Podcast – Episode #48
The death of an iconic and rare white grizzly bear known as Nakoda has the nature & wildlife community upset and frustrated.
But, a glimmer of hope, a rare white buffalo is born in Yellowstone National Park.
Available everywhere you listen… pic.twitter.com/KeLr68m7Qa
— Epyon (@NaturesEpyon) June 12, 2024
The two cubs were initially reported as fatalities early Thursday morning after being hit by a vehicle. Later that day, their mother, known as Grizzly Bear 178, was also struck by a car in the same area while nearby park officials were engaged in maintenance work on wildlife fencing. Despite efforts to escape to safety after being startled by the noise of a passing train, the grizzly bear was unable to avoid oncoming traffic and was hit.
The bear survived the initial collision, retreating back into the woods with a visible limp but no other apparent injuries. Wildlife management specialist Saundi Stevens expressed initial optimism about her recovery, noting her usual activity of navigating through gaps in the fencing to forage alongside the road. Despite efforts to deter her from the roadside and considering the risks too high for relocation, GB 178 had been a frequent visitor to the area.
Nakoda, the beloved white grizzly bear, has tragically died following a car collision on the Trans-Canada Highway, roughly 12km west of Lake Louise, Parks Canada has confirmed. Startled by a train, Nakoda ran onto the road, where one vehicle swerved to avoid her, but another… pic.twitter.com/FcbvadH3Ty
— YEGWAVE (@yegwave) June 11, 2024
Sadly, a mortality signal from the bear’s GPS tracker was received 24 hours later, confirming her death. The loss of GB 178 and her cubs within such a brief time deeply affected the wildlife team, who had invested significant efforts to prevent such outcomes.
Stevens addressed some circulating rumors suggesting that the bear had returned to the site of her cubs’ accident in mourning. However, Stevens clarified that GB 178 was observed foraging normally after the incident, showing no signs of distress, which is typical behavior rather than mourning.
“There’s a real sense of mourning and… we can use that emotion to affect change.” White grizzly bear’s death spurs calls to action: https://t.co/pjz7dK9GXy
— Global Edmonton (@GlobalEdmonton) June 11, 2024
Major Points:
- A rare white grizzly bear and her two cubs were killed in separate incidents on the Trans-Canada Highway within 12 hours in Yoho National Park.
- The cubs were struck and killed early in the morning, followed by their mother, Grizzly Bear 178, later that evening as she crossed the highway.
- Despite initial optimism that GB 178 might recover from her injuries after retreating to the woods with a limp, she was found dead the following day.
- Parks Canada officials had tried to deter GB 178 from frequenting the roadside and had decided against relocating her and her cubs due to the risks involved.
- The recent deaths bring the total number of grizzly bear fatalities in the region to four in 2024, highlighting ongoing challenges in wildlife conservation and vehicle safety.
James Kravitz – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
