Parks Canada staff in British Columbia recently celebrated the emergence of a rare white grizzly bear named Nakoda from hibernation with two new cubs in Yoho National Park. However, tragedy struck when all three animals were killed in separate crashes on the Trans-Canada Highway. Nakoda and her cubs were struck by vehicles, with Nakoda ultimately succumbing to her injuries. Parks Canada Wildlife Management Specialist Saudi Stevens expressed devastation over the loss, emphasizing the importance of increased highway awareness in parks to prevent such incidents.
The first crash occurred on Thursday morning when Nakoda’s two cubs were hit by a vehicle on the highway. Later that day, Nakoda herself was struck by a vehicle between the Lake O’Hara access road and Wapta Lake. Despite efforts by staff to save her, the bear was unable to survive her injuries. Stevens mentioned that the team had been optimistic about Nakoda’s chances of survival initially, but unfortunately, she did not make it. The deaths of Nakoda and her cubs have deeply affected the Parks Canada staff who had been tracking her for about two years.
The Wildlife Management team had been monitoring Nakoda, also known as Bear 178, for a significant amount of time, investing hundreds of hours in managing her in Yoho National Park. Just weeks before the tragic events, the team had celebrated Nakoda’s emergence from hibernation with her two new cubs. Stevens highlighted the importance of preventing incidents like these, especially when bears become habituated to humans. Grizzly bears are considered a species of special concern due to their slow reproductive rate, so the loss of each female grizzly bear is significant.
Stevens mentioned that despite efforts to save Nakoda, there was little that veterinary care could do to prevent her death, especially if the injuries were internal. The deaths of Nakoda and her cubs serve as a reminder of the unfortunate reality of wildlife fatalities, particularly when they become accustomed to human presence. The loss of these animals is not only tragic but also has broader implications for the conservation of grizzly bears in the park. Yoho National Park, located northwest of Banff, Alberta, is a crucial habitat for these iconic and vulnerable species.
In conclusion, the deaths of Nakoda and her cubs in separate crashes on the Trans-Canada Highway in Yoho National Park have sparked sadness and concern among Parks Canada staff and wildlife conservationists. The incident highlights the importance of increasing highway awareness in parks to prevent similar tragedies involving wildlife. The loss of these rare white grizzly bears is a significant blow to wildlife conservation efforts, as grizzly bears are considered a species of special concern due to their slow reproductive rate. The tragic events serve as a reminder of the impact of human-wildlife interactions and the need for continued efforts to protect and preserve these iconic and vulnerable species in their natural habitats.
