.jpeg)
Death of Iconic White Grizzly Bear Spurs Urgent Calls for Wildlife Conservation
The recent death of Nakoda, a rare white grizzly bear in Yoho National Park, has cast a deep shadow over the wildlife community. Nakoda, known officially as Bear 178, passed away just two days after her cubs were fatally struck by a vehicle. The incident has prompted an outpouring of grief and a renewed focus on wildlife conservation efforts.
A Beloved Bear
Nakoda wasn't just any grizzly bear; she was a local celebrity. Wildlife photographer John E. Marriott, co-founder of the Exposed Wildlife Conservancy, described the emotional connection many people had with Nakoda. "Photographers, tourists, everybody flocked to see her. For many, she was the first grizzly bear they ever saw," Marriott said.
The tragic sequence of events began on June 6, when Nakoda's cubs were killed in a vehicle collision on the Trans-Canada Highway near the Lake O’Hara turnoff. Later that day, Nakoda herself was struck by a second vehicle after being startled by a passing train. Despite initial hopes that she might recover from her injuries, Nakoda was found dead two days later.
A Rare and Special Sight
Nakoda's white fur made her a unique sight along Canada’s busiest highway. "It's pretty unique to have a grizzly bear that shows up by the Trans-Canada Highway—and one with a white coat," Marriott noted. Her appearance drew wildlife enthusiasts from far and wide, adding to the sense of loss now felt by many.
The Toll on Conservation Efforts
Parks Canada had been closely monitoring Nakoda since 2022, when she was first fitted with a GPS collar. "For two years, they’ve been monitoring her from dawn to dusk," Marriott said, praising the dedication of the Parks Canada staff. The loss of Nakoda and her cubs is particularly devastating given that Nakoda was one of the few breeding females in the Lake Louise core sub-population of grizzly bears.
Increasing Pressures on Wildlife
The deaths of Nakoda and her cubs highlight the growing pressures on wildlife due to human encroachment. "We’ve just got too much development going on," Marriott lamented. He pointed out that as towns like Canmore continue to expand, the habitats of wildlife are increasingly compromised. "Fifty years from now, there might be no grizzly bears left in this entire Bow Valley Corridor," he warned.
Marriott urged people to support conservation groups and get involved in efforts to protect wildlife. "This is the sixth breeding female now killed in the last four years in that Lake Louise core sub-population of grizzly bears, and that’s not sustainable," he said.
The Broader Impact
The issue extends beyond individual bears like Nakoda. Parks Canada data shows that 13 bears—both black and grizzly—have been killed by vehicles or trains in the Yoho, Kootenay, and Lake Louise regions this year alone. Over the past five years, more than 60 bears have died in similar incidents.
Calls for Action
Wildlife advocates like Nicholas Scapillati, executive director of the Grizzly Bear Foundation, are calling for more proactive measures to protect these animals. "We need to do more for nature," Scapillati said. He emphasized that while Parks Canada is doing a commendable job, it's ultimately a "Band-Aid solution" to a larger problem. "We need to look at how we approach our relationship with nature and give wild animals the space to live their lives."
Scapillati highlighted the broader pressures on wildlife from development and climate change. "What we’re seeing with grizzly bear deaths is the pressure of development and the impact of climate change on their food sources and habitat," he said.
A Shared Responsibility
The grief felt by those who loved Nakoda and her cubs underscores a broader connection to nature. "Bears inspire a sense of wonder. They capture our hearts and imaginations," Scapillati said. The public's reaction to Nakoda’s death is a reminder of our shared responsibility to protect wildlife.
Moving Forward
The tragic loss of Nakoda and her cubs has sparked a critical conversation about the future of wildlife conservation. Marriott suggested several measures that could have prevented such tragedies, including mandatory speed limits and better monitoring on highways where wildlife is known to cross. "It all requires money and a willingness to change how society operates," he said.
As we mourn Nakoda, it’s crucial to channel our emotions into action. Supporting conservation efforts, advocating for better policies, and making conscious choices about development can help ensure that grizzly bears and other wildlife continue to thrive.
Do you agree with this? No? Have your say below in the comments.