Grizzly bear killed on CP Rail line through Banff National Park
Posted Sep 4, 2020 4:43 pm.
Last Updated Sep 6, 2020 9:36 am.
BANFF (660 NEWS) – A female grizzly bear has been struck and killed on the CP Rail line running through Banff National Park in between Castle Junction and Lake Louise.
In a release from the Lake Louise Yoho Kootenay Field Unit, bear GBF143 was confirmed to have been killed on Thursday in Banff National Park despite being rarely seen in that area.
As of this year, Parks Canada says there are about 60 to 80 grizzly bears in the Banff National Park area and the population is currently stable.
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The last grizzly bear to die on the railway in the national park was back in 2012.
Parks Canada says they have been working hard to allow proper coexistence with the powerful animals with the use of highway mitigations, habitat restoration and food-waste management.
With the added fencing and crossings along the Trans-Canada Highway, cases of animals being hit by vehicles has been decreased by up to 80 per cent.
READ MORE: No-stopping zone in place on B.C. section of Trans-Canada to protect bears
Parks Canada advises those in the area to drive at proper speeds and use caution.
If you happen to see any kind of wildlife on the side of the road, Parks Canada advises not stopping the vehicle.
However, if you do stop the vehicle, stay in it and move on quickly.
Always dispose of your trash properly, as bears can prove to be scavengers and often get into trouble when looking for food.
