Jasper National Park is out with a somber warning about why it’s important to drive with caution through Alberta’s backcountry.
The next time you’re driving in @JasperNP please respect all speed limits because speeding kills. Slow down to help keep #wildlife safe. Their life depends on you. #SlowDownForWildlife pic.twitter.com/7ddjeMDmIr
— Jasper National Park, Parks Canada (@JasperNP) August 14, 2021
In July 2021, Parks Canada received a call about a black bear cub that had been run over and killed on Maligne Lake Road.
Someone who witnessed the cub get hit was able to quickly capture the event on video.
Jasper National Park officials say the video shows a vehicle passing another on a double-solid line, on a curve, with limited visibility. The cub was then hit as it crossed the road with two other bears.
A deeper investigation into the incident found the driver of the car had published a photo of the bears on social media. That photo was taken from the driver’s seat of the moving vehicle.
The driver responsible appeared in court and was charged with careless driving and was fined $2,000.
Park officials are reminding people just how important it is to follow the rules of the road in national parks so incidents like this don’t happen again.
“Everyone loves to get photos of wildlife,” a release from the national park read. “Safe wildlife viewing practices include pulling safely to the side of the road and remaining in your vehicle to snap a picture and capture your special memory in a way that respects wildlife and nature.”
