The bear population near Glacier National Park is facing a significant problem caused by human activities, resulting in the death of up to eight grizzlies each year. One of the major threats to these bears is a rail line that passes over the Marias Pass in Montana. The bears are attracted to the rail line because trains often drop grain, which they consume. However, when they consume the cold fermented grain, it can intoxicate them to the point of falling asleep on the tracks or being too lethargic to escape danger.
According to former federal ecologist Chuck Neal, the bears’ drunk behavior is not being adequately addressed. He suggests ideas such as not loading the train cars to full capacity or avoiding running trains under certain weather conditions that increase the risk of derailment. However, the rail company, BNSF, is reluctant to take action on the issue. This hesitation is partly due to the fact that grizzly populations are growing, and they may soon be removed from the endangered species list. BNSF does not want the deaths of these bears to affect their operations, which involve running overloaded train cars in risky weather conditions.
To address the issue and learn more about the bears, their populations, and potential solutions, readers can refer to Cowboy State Daily’s comprehensive report on the matter. It provides valuable insights into the problem and its implications.
Overall, it is evident that urgent measures need to be taken to protect the bear population near Glacier National Park from the deadly consequences of their encounters with the rail line. The welfare of these magnificent creatures should take precedence over corporate interests and economic considerations.
