Parks Canada has issued a wildlife alert for Banff, Yoho and Kootenay national parks, asking motorists to drive carefully, and refrain from feeding animal on mountain park roads.
The organization warns that with record-breaking snowfall in the winter but a late spring melt, there are still plenty of wolves and black bears in valley bottoms in search of food.
It means there’s an increased chance of motorists hitting the animals while driving on mountain roads.
Seven black bears have been killed on roads in Banff, Yoho and Kootenay national parks this year, with speed believed to have played a major role.
“We ask that visitors please slow down, observe speed limits and be extra vigilant on the roads at dawn and dusk when animals are most active,” says Rick Kubian, Resource Conservation Manager in Lake Louise, Yoho and Kootenay. “Not only can following the speed limit prolong an animal’s life by many years, it also contributes to human safety and has the potential to save lives.”
There have been reports of visitors feeding wildlife in the mountain parks this spring and summer, including a recent incident on Highway 93S in Kootenay National Park where a wolf was approached and fed.
Parks Canada is reminding visitors that feeding or harassing wildlife is against the law.
Parks Canada strongly encourages the public to report wildlife sightings and suspicious behaviour – such as wildlife feeding or hazardous driving – by calling 1 888-WARDENS.
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