No caribou have been killed by vehicle collisions in Jasper since 2003 but a herd that’s been hanging out lately on Highway 93 is making Parks Canada officials nervous, especially as drivers continue to ignore posted speed limits.
With only 13 confirmed caribou in the Brazeau herd, losing even one animal to a collision could be “catastrophic” to the species’ already fragile population in the park, said biologist Mark Bradley.
That particular herd, which has dwindled to the point of near collapse, has seen “stability or a slight increase” in its numbers recently, Bradley noted, thanks to strong female survival rates over the winter and “a very good crop of calves this year.”
But, he warned: “Just losing even one caribou probably sinks you for the year in terms of showing any improvement.”
Bradley and other Parks Canada employees have been trying to shoo the caribou away from the Icefield Parkway and also plan to erect an electronic sign warning drivers to slow down, in addition to the existing 70-km/h speed zones, which were established to protect wildlife.
The animals have been spotted numerous times recently near Sunwapta Falls Resort, about 50 kilometres south of the Jasper townsite, standing in the middle of the highway and licking salt off the pavement.
And even when they weren’t on the road directly, Bradley said radio tracking collars indicated at least two of the animals were “very, very close.” He said they are likely feeding on grass and willow shoots and, as the season progresses, should move on to higher elevations.
But for the next little while in particular, Parks Canada is urging motorists to obey speed limits and watch out for caribou and other wildlife on the Parkway. Data previously recorded in the area has shown drivers routinely ignoring the 70-km/h zones.
|
