Parks Canada Urges Caution After Black Bear Struck by Vehicle in Pacific Rim National Park
A black bear was struck and killed by a vehicle on August 10 along Highway 4 in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, prompting Parks Canada to remind drivers to slow down. The driver remains unidentified, and while there are no charges for accidentally hitting wildlife, reckless driving could lead to penalties. Parks Canada is collaborating with the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation for the bear's necropsy and cultural protocols, emphasizing the importance of wildlife safety and awareness on the roads.
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Summary
A black bear was struck and killed by a vehicle on August 10 along Highway 4 in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, prompting Parks Canada to remind drivers to slow down. The driver remains unidentified, and while there are no charges for accidentally hitting wildlife, reckless driving could lead to penalties. Parks Canada is collaborating with the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation for the bear's necropsy and cultural protocols, emphasizing the importance of wildlife safety and awareness on the roads.
Details
Long Beach, BC – A black bear was tragically struck and killed by a vehicle on August 10 in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, prompting Parks Canada to remind drivers to exercise caution while traveling through the area. The incident occurred on the Pacific Rim Highway 4, just north of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations community of Ty-Histanis, during the middle of the day. The driver involved in the accident remains unidentified, and according to Todd Windle, the human-wildlife coexistence team lead at Parks Canada, there are no charges for accidentally hitting wildlife. However, if the driver is found to have been speeding or driving recklessly, they could face legal consequences.
In response to the incident, Parks Canada is collaborating with the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation (TFN) to follow cultural protocols regarding the bear's remains. TFN Natural Resources Manager Saya Masso expressed the community's intention to utilize the bear's hide for regalia and cultural items, as well as to potentially render bear grease if feasible. Additionally, a necropsy will be conducted to assess the bear's health and any underlying conditions, which will contribute to ongoing wildlife education and conservation efforts. Parks Canada has invited TFN representatives to participate in the necropsy, ensuring that any findings will be shared with the community.
Windle noted that bear fatalities on Highway 4 occur almost every year, underscoring the importance of adhering to speed limits and being vigilant about road conditions while visiting the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. The speed limit in the park is set at 90 kilometers per hour, with reduced limits of 60 kilometers per hour or less on secondary roads and in active construction zones. This summer has been particularly challenging for bears in the region, with B.C. conservation officers having to euthanize four food-conditioned black bears to protect public safety. As the summer season continues, Parks Canada urges all visitors to prioritize wildlife safety by driving responsibly and remaining aware of their surroundings.
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Sources
- CHEK: https://cheknews.ca/black-bear-killed-by-vehicle-in-pacific-rim-national-park-reserve-1273864/
This story was compiled by our automated newsroom from official sources and local reporting. Editors review for accuracy.