Snowmobiles threaten grizzlies and wolverines in provincial park, consultant's report warns
Larry Pynn, CanWest News Service
Published: Wednesday, March 01, 2006
PRINCE GEORGE -- Grizzly bears and wolverines hibernating or raising young in dens in a Rocky Mountain park are at risk from snowmobiles, a consultant's report commissioned by B.C. Parks warns.

The report, obtained by The Vancouver Sun after a freedom-of-information request, finds that powerful and wide-ranging snowmobiles utilizing 170,890-hectare Kakwa Provincial Park and Protected Area pose a "considerable conservation concern."

The study, by wildlife consultant Wayne McCrory, with mapping and global positioning system help from Baden Cross of Applied Conservation GIS, was submitted to B.C. Parks in March 2005.

It points out there are no restrictions on snowmobiles using Kakwa in winter. B.C. Parks has observed up to 600 snowmobiles in the area during one two-week period in April.

Among the snowmobilers lobbying for greater access to Kakwa is provincial Minister of Agriculture and Lands Pat Bell, Liberal MLA for Prince George North, a member of the Prince George Snowmobile Club, and the minister responsible for species at risk.

High-elevation areas frequented by snowmobilers overlap suitable denning sites, potentially leading to disturbance or displacement of grizzlies or wolverines, McCrory writes.

The report adds that legal trapping of wolverines in Kakwa, about a two-hour drive east of Prince George near the Alberta border, only compounds the threat to the species and should be banned, given the park's conservation mandate.