‘Life finds a way’: Grizzly bear and her 2 cubs escape Jasper wildfire 

Jasper National Park shared a hopeful story that shows that “life finds a way” even during the most devastating times.

Park officials said a Grizzly bear that is a frequent visitor in the area managed to keep herself and her family safe using her keen survival instincts.

Known as “Grizzly bear 222”, the bear has a GPS collar tracking her movement, allowing them to know that in the moments leading up to the most extreme wildfire activity on July 24, 2024, the mother bear took her two cubs and tucked them into a wet spot by the Athabasca River.

“In the face of flames, the extraordinary instincts of wildlife, like bears and elk, guide them to safety,” explained park officials.

According to wildlife experts, Grizzly bear 222 appears to be very healthy right now—she has likely been feasting on berries and clover on the edge of the Jasper Park Lodge golf course.

James McCormick, Human-Wildlife Coexistence Specialist, Parks Canada said that they have a team of 18 people managing wildlife in and around Jasper.

That includes managing garbage and food waste left behind, as well as keeping an eye out for animals that were physically impacted by the fire. Sadly, some animals were found to have perished.

McCormick adds that, for the surviving animals, they are expected to find new places to live and carry on.

Staff are working on cleaning up any attractants left behind that could draw a bear into town, as they can be “extra aggressive when defending a significant food source.”

The work being done by staff will hopefully ensure that residents can also return to the area safely and begin to move forward.

“Amidst the ashes, life finds a way. Just like the community of Jasper, Jasper National Park's wildlife will rebound from this crisis,” park officials said.

In an update on the wildfire situation yesterday evening, the park shared that crews saw another day of reduced fire behaviour, allowing 350 firefighters and personnel to make more progress.

Crews worked on mopping up spot fires near the northwest side of town. They are preparing for increased fire activity later this week, when weather conditions will be dry and favourable for wildfire growth.

A high volume sprinkler line along the community fireguard is nearing completion, which will provide the contingency control feature for the community from fire spread to the west or north.

The municipality also shared a map of damaged homes and businesses. On Friday, the damage was estimated at 30% of the 1,113 structures. That means about 358 structures were destroyed or damaged by the fire.