Careless driving results in death of bear cub

-asper 1ational Park is well known for opportunities to view wildlife visitors regularly see wildlife along roadways. Parks Canada uses signage, reduced speed zones in areas known to be wildlife crossings, and a range of information in publications, on its website, and in social media to remind travellers of their responsibilities for viewing wildlife safely.

,n -uly 2021, Parks Canada responded to a report that a black bear cub had been run over and killed on Maligne Lake Road. A quick-thinking witness captured the unfortunate incident on video. The video shows one vehicle passing another on a double-solid line, on a curve, with limited visibility. The passing vehicle hit the cub as the cub crossed the road with two other bears. Further investigation found that the driver had published a photo of the bears on social media. The photo had been taken from the driver’s seat of the moving vehicle.

Distracted and careless driving can have serious consequences. ,n this case, the driver appeared in court, was charged with careless driving and fined

2,000.

Visitors have an important role to play in the safety of wildlife and people in -asper 1ational Park. The same driving care and attention one would expect in a school zone is required in the park.

Everyone loves to get photos of wildlife. Safe wildlife viewing practices include pulling safely to the side of the road and remaining in your vehicle to snap a picture and capture your special memory in a way that respects wildlife and nature.

-asper 1ational Park has a dedicated team of Wildlife Guardians who patrol park roadways to support safe wildlife viewing. The number of “wildlife jams” in the park has steadily increased in the past decade. Wildlife jams occur when travellers stop along the roadway or on the roadway to view wildlife. These jams often result in unsafe traffic conditions and people getting out of their vehicles, and have led to unsafe encounters with wildlife. Personal injury, harm or death for wild animals or humans can happen.

Winter driving conditions increase the risk of accidents with wildlife. Travellers should drive to the conditions and report wildlife jams and collisions with wildlife. Drivers obeying traffic safety laws who have an accidental wildlife strike are not charged.

Whether it’s winter or summer, plan ahead. Check current highway conditions on 511 Alberta.