Ecological issues: Endangered species
The Grizzly Bear
Grizzly Bears are 'blue-listed' (i.e. a 'species of special concern'), even in British Columbia where the majority of the Canadian population lives.
Scientific evidence shows that segments of the population are becoming genetically separated from each other (Proctor, 2003) by manmade barriers. North of Banff, grizzly bear habitat is most threatened with barriers in the Hudson's Hope area where two existing reservoirs have likely stopped grizzly bear movements.
The development and reservoir of Site C would likely complete a blockage of north-to-south movement, genetically isolating grizzly bears in the Southern and Central Rocky Mountains from the bears in the Northern Rockies (Muskwa-Kechika area).
Scientific evidence shows that segments of the population are becoming genetically separated from each other (Proctor, 2003) by manmade barriers. North of Banff, grizzly bear habitat is most threatened with barriers in the Hudson's Hope area where two existing reservoirs have likely stopped grizzly bear movements.
The development and reservoir of Site C would likely complete a blockage of north-to-south movement, genetically isolating grizzly bears in the Southern and Central Rocky Mountains from the bears in the Northern Rockies (Muskwa-Kechika area).