BOW VALLEY – Residents and visitors in Banff and Canmore are urged to be on alert during elk calving season, a time of year when protective mother elk will aggressively protect their newborns.
An aggressive cow elk, which dropped her calf just off the main trail behind the 1000 Larch Crescent cul-de-sac in Canmore, was charging people Wednesday evening (May 22) .
"I was just walking my dog behind my home and I noticed an elk on the other side of the walking trail," said resident Lisa de Soto.
"She followed me for a few steps... As soon as there was an opening she charged me and my dog."
De Sota said she reported it to Fish and Wildlife, however, the local officer wasn't on duty. She said the neighbourhood took to notifying those entering the trail that an elk and her calf had taken up post there.
"We did pin up a couple of signs, just hand written signs. A lot of the neighbours were just getting the word out, making sure people knew and, of course, we want to give her her space," she said.
Several people have been injured over the years for getting too close to mother elk, which defend their newborn calves by charging or striking out with sharp hooves if they think that their young ones are in danger.
Wildlife officials say elk should not be mistaken for tame animals just because they’re in towns, on golf courses or playing fields, noting some elk use green spaces around Canmore as a refuge to avoid predators, especially during calving season from mid-May to the end of June.
“Elk may charge at perceived threats and even try and kick or stomp on you or your dog,” said John Paczkowski, a park ecologist with the Parks division of Alberta Environment and Parks.
“The presence of dogs may escalate an aggressive response from elk, so if you are walking your dog be extra cautious,” he added, noting dogs must be on-leash at all times.
A newborn calf is defenseless against predators for the first three weeks of its life, so cow elk keep newborns well hidden in bushes and shrubs. The mother elk visits the calf only a few times a day, standing guard not too far away.
The mother licks her calf all over to make sure it is perfectly clean and clear of any smells that could attract predators. With its lack of smell and spotted coat, a calf is often well camouflaged.
“Elk will often stash their calves while they feed elsewhere,” said Paczkowski. “If you see a young elk, or any young animal, please leave it alone, keep your distance and leave the area.”
During elk calving season, people are reminded to give elk a wide berth of a minimum of 30 metres and be extra vigilant of mother elk and their calves that may be hiding in dense vegetation.
“Don’t try and slip by at close range while walking, or on your bike,” said Paczkowski.
De Soto said while she didn't see the calf, other walkers in the area told her they did. She also noted how rare it is to see an elk alone.
"You rarely see elk alone, they're usually in groups, and this time of year you start seeing them alone," she told the Outlook.
"That's a real sign they're either preparing to calf or have a calf nearby so that might be a good sign to do a wide circle around them."
If it’s impossible to avoid an elk encounter, act dominant if an elk gets too close; seek protection behind a tree or vehicle; and raise your arms or flap a jacket to make yourself appear larger.
If you encounter an aggressive elk in Canmore or Kananaskis, please report it to Kananaskis Emergency Services 403-591-7755. In Banff National Park, please call 403-762-1470.
