Planning on motoring between BC and Alberta this long weekend, or sometime this summer?
if your path leads you Yoho National ParkBC’s Highway Patrol (BCHP) wants you to be on alert for Bear on the road.
Police say there have been several collisions with bears this year, and they are now working closely with them Parks Canada To reduce accidents with wildlife.
Currently, reduction measures include a no-stopping zone established by Parks Canada along a 10-kilometre extension of the Trans-Canada Highway east of Field, BC, along with a temporary speed-limit reduction.
The BC Highway Patrol maintains that Parks Canada manages the portion of Trans-Canada that runs through the park.
“The stretch of highway is popular with both black bears and grizzly bears at this time of year because of the abundance of high-value food sources found along the road,” the BC Highway Patrol said in a press release.
“Unfortunately, this puts the bears at risk of being exposed to motor vehicles and often causes injury or death to the bears.”
Police say that in mid-June, BCHP officers from Parks Canada’s Golden Plus officers conducted a speed enforcement and education campaign.
“Motorists were also advised to never stop on the side of the road to see a bear or get out of their vehicle and approach any bear,” police said.
“Under no circumstances should anyone attempt to feed a bear or any wildlife, as this may cause the animal to become habituated to humans, thereby endangering the animal.”
The BCHP also said that during the week-long enforcement drive, 80 violation tickets were issued for speed-related offenses and four vehicles were seized. One person was also given a ticket for operating a drone in the national park.
“Driving through any Canadian national park allows motorists to see all kinds of wildlife,” said BCHP CPL. Mike Halskov. “By slowing down, drivers reduce the risk and severity of collisions with wildlife, including bears.”
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