The beloved white grizzly bear, Bear 178 (also nicknamed Nakoda by locals), has died after being struck by a car on the evening of June 6 and later passed away in Yoho National Park, B.C. The incident came 12 hours after her cubs were also struck and killed by a different car on the same highway.
In a written statement, Parks Canada said that when the accident occurred, wildlife management staff had been modifying the wildlife fencing and were attempting to encourage the bear to stay away from the roadside. Unfortunately, Nakoda was startled by a train and ran onto the road in front of two vehicles. One vehicle was able to respond in time, swerving around the bear, while the other was not and struck the bear.
Following the incident, Nakoda climbed over the fence and ran into the forest with a slight limp. On June 8, the wildlife management team confirmed Nakoda had died after they investigated a mortality signal coming from the bear’s GPS collar. This signal is usually triggered after 24 hours of inactivity. Parks Canada says in the written statement that they suspect the bear succumbed to internal injuries from the collision.
Nakoda was known by wildlife specialists to spend time near the highway. Parks Canada says that bears “will return to areas they know and to areas with high-value habitat.” Wildlife specialists believe Nakoda returned to the roadside area due to it being a familiar and reliable area to find food for her cubs.
Nakoda had previously been relocated away from the highway three times to an area within her home range in 2022. In 2023, Parks Canada electrified the wildlife fencing in Yoho National Park to discourage her from climbing the fence. In May of this year, a no-stopping and speed reduction zone was put in place for a 10 kilometre stretch of the Trans-Canada Highway running through the park.
Parks Canada says visitors in vehicles should observe speed limits and drive with caution. If wildlife is spotted on the side of the Trans-Canada Highway, Parks Canada says visitors should not stop. Wildlife sightings and incidents can be reported to Parks Canada Dispatch at 403-762-1470.
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