Despite deaths, Parks says it’s still interested in protecting bears

September 9, 2005
Source: Digital Banff news service

Parks Canada Information Bulletin

Banff, Alberta, September 8, 2005 – Late yesterday evening, two grizzly bear cubs were struck and killed on the Trans Canada Highway, 1 kilometre west of the Mount Norquay exit, in Banff National Park. A third cub, a male who had been tagged with an ear transmitter by wildlife specialists prior to the accident, was not harmed.

Reared in the park’s high-use visitor areas, these three cubs have been intensely monitored since the death of their mother, Bear #66, who was struck and killed by a train in Banff National Park on August 19, 2005.

Parks Canada has made every effort to act in the best interest of the cubs. In the last few weeks, the Agency has consulted with bear experts from across North America and considered all options, including captive rearing and re-introduction or permanent captivity. It was determined that the best course of action was to keep the cubs in the wild and attempt to get them safely through the first winter.

Despite Parks Canada’s original objective to keep all three cubs in the Banff ecosystem over the long term, the Agency is concerned about the remaining cub''s chance of survival. For this reason, officials have decided to capture the male cub as soon as possible.

Parks Canada officials are deeply saddened by this unfortunate incident, and would like to thank the Banff community, its stakeholder groups and Canadians across the country for their concern and continuing support for the grizzly cubs.

While the death of Bear #66 and her cubs represents a loss, Parks Canada remains committed to its goal to maintain a viable grizzly bear population in the mountain parks. Over the past two decades, Parks Canada has put into place numerous strategies to reduce the risk of habituation and bear-human conflict, including garbage management, wildlife corridors, highway fencing, overpasses and underpasses, and various public education programs.

Information: Marjorie Huculak Manager, Executive Services and Media Relations Banff Field Unit Parks Canada (403) 762-1526

Sheri Tarrington Executive Services and Media Relations Officer Banff Field Unit Parks Canada (403) 762-1562

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