This information is courtesy of Parks Canada:
The elk rutting season has begun and will last until mid-October.
What you need to know:
- Keep at least 30 metres away from all elk and never get between a male and the females.
- Bull elk become extremely aggressive protecting their harems during the mating season.
- Do not park your vehicle between a male and the females; elk may charge at your vehicle, which may result in damage.
TIPS on how to avoid & handle ELK ENCOUNTERS:
- Travel in a group.
- Watch for elk at all times and detour around them.
- If possible walk around elk on the high side of a slope or up-hill.
- Stay back at least 30 metres.
- Keep your dog on a leash at all times.
- An unleashed dog may prompt an elk to become aggressive as they view the dog as a predator (wolf or coyote).
- Carry pepper spray, a walking stick or an umbrella as protection.
- Act dominant if an elk gets too close.
- Raise your arms or any big object (jacket or umbrella) to make yourself appear larger, maintain eye contact, and never turn your back or run. Climb a tree or keep an object, like a tree or large rock, between you and the elk. Back slowly out of the area. Warn other hikers of an elk ahead and report the incident immediately to Parks Canada dispatch at 403.762.1470.
- If you are knocked down or fall, get up and try to move to cover or use an object to protect yourself.
- DO NOT PLAY DEAD.
Report any incidents to the Resource Conservation office at 403.762.1470.
Parks Canada Important Bulletins