A grizzly bear has been hit by a vehicle and killed on the Trans-Canada Highway 15 kilometres west of Field, B.C.
The grizzly, known as Bear 128, died Monday about one kilometer from the Ottertail viewing point, the site of a recent grain spill.
Parks Canada crews had cleaned up enough grain at the site to fill a garbage truck but the remaining grain had still been attracting bears.
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Last week a grizzly feeding on the remaining grain charged several people who had stopped to snap pictures – the area was closed shortly after.
There’s speculation Bear 128 had also been feeding on what was left of the grain.
Parks Canada says the bear had a history of frequenting the highway and can’t confirm whether the spill contributed to his death.
Bear 128 was familiar to Parks Canada staff. He was orphaned in 2011 when his mother was killed by a train and was later often spotted roaming the Lake Louise area.
Parks Canada captured the bear in 2012 and fitted him with a transmitter so wildlife experts could track his movements.
Grizzly bears are considered a threatened species in Alberta.
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