Parks Canada is urging people to be on alert during the fall elk rut in Banff because male elk can be extremely unpredictable and dangerous at this time of year.
Known as the rut, bull elk are beginning to round up cow elk into harems in a fierce competition to breed with the females throughout September and October.
Bull elk, which can weigh up to 450 kgs, are starting to gather their harems on the outskirts of the Banff townsite, and officials say don’t mistake them as tame just because they’re seen in high human-use areas.
“We are absolutely at the start of elk rut and people need to be very aware of that and behave cautiously around bull elk in particular,” said Steve Michel, human-wildlife conflict specialist for Banff National Park.
“Anywhere they see a group of cow elk and elk that are grouped up into a harem, they can anticipate bull elk will be very close by, even if they don’t see them.”
At this time of year in particular, these wild animals do not have a tolerance of humans getting too close and will lash out with hooves or charge with antlers forward if disturbed.
Michel said it’s important to keep a safe distance of at least 30 metres, carry bear spray at all times because it’s proven effective against elk, and to make sure dogs are kept on-leash at all times.
“Bull elk can be very aggressive if a dog is on the loose,” he said.
Michel also asks members of the public to let Parks Canada know if elk are beginning to gather in their neighbourhhoods or subdivisions so staff can haze them away.
“We need to prioritize where staff are headed, but if we’re made aware there’s a group of elk in a particular area, we’ll head there straight away,” he said.
Parks Canada has the following safety tips:
• Always keep a safe distance away from wildlife. Parks Canada recommends keeping 30 metres, or three bus lengths, away from elk for safety.
• If an elk becomes alert or nervous, grinds its teeth or pulls its ears back, you’re too close – back off.
• Use binoculars or a telephoto lens on your camera to get a closer look at elk. A vehicle is an ideal blind to take photographs from, but don’t spend too much time because you could cause an “elk jam.”
• Never approach or feed any park wildlife for their well-being as well as yours.
• Keep dogs on-leash at all times.
Please report any sightings of elk inside town boundaries, or elk gathering in large groups on the outskirts of town, to Parks Canada at 403-762-1470.
