Bear Cubs Killed in Algonquin Spark Conversation About Nature
Anthropocentric views of nature. All the great nature writers warned us about it. Thoreau, Leopold, Carson. It�s a worldview that considers humans to be the most important thing on Earth. Yet, two bear cubs were run down and killed by one of the thousands of tourists driving Algonquin�s Highway 60 on Thanksgiving weekend to take that perfect picturesque snapshot of the fall colours.
Campers who witnessed the accident made mention of the tragedy on social media, and after I read the endless comments, views, emotions and banter, I got thinking about it all.
Most were heartbroken about the event. Others insisted that more regulations and rules should be implemented to control the number of people in the park, or even closing the park altogether through October. Some wanted exorbitant fines put in place for careless driving, as well as entering the park without a valid permit (the park service had already capped the number of people allowed for the day). However, some also claimed it was an issue of an overpopulation of bears. Some locals firmly exclaimed that it was a major travel corridor for trucking companies and non-tourist types simply going to work. Basically, those �citidiots� should stay home in their urban jungle and not turn Algonquin into a petting zoo.
Throughout the comments there lies sadness, despair and even anger toward the loss of what past environmentalists labelled the �intrinsic� value of nature. This conviction is based on anthropocentric prudence. Yes, everyone should be given the right to view places like Algonquin, especially in the fall. It�s a beautiful place that provides us humans, even �citidiots,” with aesthetic, recreational, cultural, historical and therapeutic fulfillment. However, many of us lose sight of nature�s inherent value: The bear cubs and places where such creatures live like Algonquin have a right to exist for what they are, not for what they can give to us.
So, what�s the answer to all this? Should we reduce the speed limit on Highway 60, a major road that runs straight through one of the province�s largest parks? Should Ontario construct tunnels and bridge corridors to keep wandering wildlife safe, similar to national parks in Western Canada? Should the privileged campers, even locals, be the only ones allowed to soak in the solitude? Do we need more park wardens, police presence, heftier fines or even jail time for convicted motorists? Do we allow bear hunting in the park to reduce the perceived overabundance of cubs jaywalking the highway? Or do the majority of us nature lovers simply avoid Algonquin during statutory holidays or drive somewhere further north?
I�m not sure of the best answer to the issue. But I do know that this incident reeks of self-interest. This is another human characteristic that all the great nature writers warned us about. We just don�t seem to be listening.
Whoever hit them should be charged. If it was humans the person behind the wheel would be charged.
Heart broken to hear this. Poor Mama bear. The pain she must feel losing her babies. Animals do grieve.
Lower the speed limit and people who commute through the park will have to have a longer commute.
If it wasn�t cute bear cubs would the reaction be the same? Raccoons, skunks, squirrels , deer, get killed on roads every daybut no one raises the issue.
Can�t blame drivers when animals run out as there is likely no reaction time available.
I live on highway 60 and would be ecstatic if there was less traffic in the fall ( or any time !) and no logging or semi trucks on it but it is a major highway.
So unless we are willing to spend billions to reroute around the park, or millions to build bridges, tunnels and fencing, it will continue to happen .
This is a problem that is, of course, worldwide. It would seem that the obvious solution is to drastically reduce / restrict speed limits (say 10 kph) and introduce hefty fines for those that exceed those limits. Injuries to wild life as a result of speeding (or not) should then automatically incur severe sentences.
There is no excuse for hitting and killing two bear cubs. This is heart breaking especially for the mother bear. The driver should be heavily fined and banned from the park.
I agree that something has to be done. Not only bears but moose and other animals continue to get killed on our highways. Personally I would like to see more wildlife bridges and/or corridors on Hwy 60 (and others in the province). But where will they do the most good or the animals? Do we have any idea where the most crossings occur? If not, then this would be a good place to start. Something needs to be done. On a recent visit to Algonquin Park in September 2024 I was shocked at how fast all vehicles were going (and especially large vehicles that take more time than a car to stop). What is the right answer? I don’t know, but I do feel that NO answer or response to this problem is wrong.