Earlier this month, a black bear was struck and killed in Vancouver Island’s Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.
According to Parks Canada, the incident occurred midday on Sunday, August 10th on Highway 4, just north of Ty-Histanis and the Tofino-Long Beach Airport.
This incident has prompted a traffic safety plea from Parks Canada.
“Parks Canada would like to remind visitors to obey speed limits and be aware of road conditions while visiting Pacific Rim National Park Reserve,” said a Parks Canada spokesperson in a statement.
“Slowing down helps protect wildlife and others on the road.”
According to a BC-based bear advocacy group, Get Bear Smart, people kill more wildlife with their cars than in any other way.
They say that every year in BC, a minimum of 4,898 animals are killed due to collisions with vehicles.
One issue with keeping up-to-date data on this matter is that incidents often go underreported.
Parks Canada say they are working together with the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation to assist in ensuring cultural protocols are followed, including with the necropsy of the bear.
