Parks Canada announced Grizzly Bear 222 and her two cubs survived Jasper National Park’s largest wildfire in 100 years by hiding. The park, located in Alberta, Canada, has faced the largest wildfire in a century, and crews continue to try and control the deadly flames from spreading.
The Jasper National Park shared an update on their Facebook page.
In the face of flames, the extraordinary instincts of wildlife, like bears and elks, guide them to safety.
Although more than 30% or 79,000 acres of the Jasper area has been destroyed along with homes and businesses, Bear 222 seemed to know just what to do to protect herself and her family. The bear, who wears a GPS collar, had been tracked and had hidden in a wet spot by the Athabasca River as a wall of flames raced by them. Since then, she has been spotted – looking quite healthy and dining on a mix of berries and clover on the edge of the Jasper Park Lodge golf course.
Bear 222 had been relocated in 2023 after she had been getting into the food of campers in the area. She did return this year and had been hanging around the Jasper Park Lodge.
At this time, there are nearly two dozen people trying to manage the wildlife and doing their best to keep the wild animals away from trash and spoiled foods. They are also trying to capture and manage animals injured by the fire.
Bears can be extra aggressive when defending a significant food source. At least one grizzly has been spotted feeding on an animal carcass.
One characteristic of a burned forest is that you can see quite a distance. We should have better opportunities to see if there are bears or a carcass in the area. Always stay at least 200 meters from a bear on a carcass.
This wildfire will have lasting impacts on animals and their movements, and Parks Canada will need to ensure this does not pose a risk before allowing residents to return.
Mountain caribou populations have also been declining, but park officials remain optimistic about the future of wildlife in the park.
Amidst the ashes, life finds a way.
Firefighters are working tirelessly to control the fire, but officials have told us that all measures possible are being taken to monitor and support the wildlife.
(Photos via Parks Canada)
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