Rare White Grizzly and Cubs Fatally Struck by Vehicles in Canadian Park

A rare white grizzly bear, affectionately known as Nakoda, has died after being struck by a vehicle on a highway in Canada, just hours after her two cubs were killed in a separate collision. This tragic sequence of events has left wildlife officials and local communities mourning the loss of a bear that had become a beloved figure in the region.

On June 6, Nakoda's two cubs wandered onto the Trans-Canada Highway, where they were struck by a vehicle. Later that same day, as wildlife management staff were repairing fencing near the highway, Nakoda was startled by a passing train. In a panic, she ran onto the road, where she was hit by a second vehicle. Although she managed to climb a fence and retreat into the woods with a limp, her injuries proved fatal. Parks Canada officials confirmed her death two days later when her GPS collar sent a mortality signal, indicating she had not moved for 24 hours.

Nakoda, formally designated as Grizzly Bear 178, was notable not only for her striking platinum-blond fur but also for her frequent roadside appearances, which drew the attention of photographers and wildlife enthusiasts. Her unique coloration is attributed to a recessive gene, making her an extraordinary sight among the typically dark brown or blond grizzly bears. This rare genetic trait has made her a symbol of the region's wildlife, but it also contributed to her habituation to human presence, a factor that ultimately led to her tragic fate.

Wildlife management specialists had been concerned about Nakoda's safety for years. Despite efforts to deter her from the roadside, including the installation of electric fencing and the creation of no-stopping zones along the highway, she often found ways to breach these barriers. "It is an unfortunate reality that bears that become habituated to people often have negative outcomes," said a wildlife management specialist, reflecting on the challenges of balancing wildlife conservation with human activity.

The deaths of Nakoda and her cubs have sparked discussions about the dangers that wildlife face in areas frequented by humans. Parks Canada has been actively working to mitigate these risks, but the incidents highlight the ongoing struggle to protect wildlife in a world increasingly encroached upon by urban development and transportation networks. The organization has estimated that there are approximately 90 grizzly bears in the national parks of Alberta and British Columbia, with populations considered stable, yet the loss of a bear as unique as Nakoda is felt deeply.

In the wake of this tragedy, wildlife officials are urging motorists to exercise caution and adhere to speed limits in areas where wildlife is known to roam. The hope is that increased awareness and responsible driving can prevent similar incidents in the future. "We were really optimistic that she may have been able to actually recover from this collision," said a wildlife management specialist, expressing the team's devastation over the loss.

As the community reflects on Nakoda's life and the impact she had on those who encountered her, the story serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between nature and human activity. The affection and connection that wildlife management teams developed with Nakoda over the years underscore the emotional toll of such losses, as they strive to protect the wildlife that enriches the natural landscape.