Target: Tracy Robinson, Chief Executive Officer of Canadian National Railway
Goal: Implement stricter safety measures to prevent wildlife collisions with trains in British Columbia.
The alarming number of wildlife collisions with trains in British Columbia demands immediate action. Between 2020 and 2023, Canadian National Railway (CN) recorded over 340 wildlife collisions, including two hundred and two moose and sixty-seven bears, with many animals left suffering for prolonged periods after being struck. The tragic discovery of a grizzly bear and her three cubs killed by a train highlights the severe consequences of these incidents. The inadequacy of data reporting on these collisions exacerbates the issue, as it obscures the full scope of wildlife fatalities.
Despite assertions that railroads act as natural corridors for wildlife, the reality is that the average freight train requires a staggering two kilometers to come to a stop, rendering it practically impossible to avoid such tragic incidents. The figures reveal that in a two-year span, CPKC recorded at least 182 incapacitated animals, thus contributing to a detrimental cycle affecting not just individual animals, but populations at a broader ecological level.
The imposition of proactive measures such as slowing down trains in high-risk areas, enhancing data transparency regarding wildlife collisions, and reinstating effective warning systems could drastically reduce these tragic occurrences. As such, it is imperative that CN accurately reflects the gravity of these incidents and initiates substantial changes to protect wildlife from the devastating impact of train operations. Stricter safety protocols and improved data-sharing can serve both to save lives and to protect the cultural connections many communities have with these animals.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Ms. Robinson,
The appalling rates of wildlife fatalities as a result of train collisions in British Columbia must not be ignored. The CN has accounted for at least 340 wildlife strikes over recent years, with incidents involving grizzly bears resulting in not only individual deaths but potential long-term impacts on species populations, as evidenced by the traumatic loss of a mother bear and her three cubs near Elko, B.C.
It is clear that the current safety measures in place are insufficient to safeguard against these tragedies. The railways must acknowledge their role in contributing to the animal mortality crisis and take urgent steps to implement more effective strategies. Reducing train speeds in recognized wildlife hotspots and improving accessibility to data concerning collision occurrences will play a crucial role in mitigating these incidents. The reinstatement of animal warning systems—previously tested in Banff National Park—should be considered as a viable option to alert wildlife in time to avoid potential danger.
Immediate action is required to address the ongoing wildlife casualties due to train collisions. By adopting improved safety protocols and committing to transparent data reporting, CN has the opportunity to protect not only the animals that share these corridors but also the cultural and ecological heritage tied to them. We urge you to take these necessary steps for the preservation of wildlife in British Columbia and act to prevent further loss of life on the tracks.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Pixabay
