AR-News: (US NY) A Mountain Railroad Spells Death for Grizzlies and Cubs

[Animalara2003 at aol.com]

By JIM ROBBINS

Published: March 23, 2004


EST GLACIER, Mont. — Every day, trains climb a steep mountain corridor 
between the southern boundary of Glacier National Park and the northern boundary of 
the Great Bear Wilderness.
The corridor is at the heart of the continent's wildest landscape, and it is 
prime bear habitat. In some 24-hour periods, up to 42 milelong trains use the 
line. Every once in a while, a grizzly runs or wanders onto the tracks and is 
hit by a locomotive.
The threat to the grizzlies has fueled a dispute between the railroad, which 
says it has done all it can to protect the bears, and some wildlife experts, 
who say it should try harder. At least 32 bears, including 9 cubs, have been 
killed by trains since 1980. Three died last year.



full story:

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/03/23/science/23BEAR.html?ex=1080622800&en=083590d
e59575cae&ei=5062 
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