Parks Canada is reminding the public to stay clear of female elk after a runner suffered serious injuries following a confrontation with an elk cow last week.
According to Parks Canada, on June 5 a lone male runner was coming down Church Hill when he saw a female elk with a nearby calf charge down at him.
A chase ensued for a few seconds as the runner tried to get away to safety before the elk eventually disengaged.
During the chase the runner fell and sustained injuries to his head and back and went to the hospital on his own.
A passerby reported the incident to Parks Canada, which immediately searched the surrounding area but was unable find an adult cow or calf at the time.聽 About three hours later, an adult cow and calf were found below the same trail and were relocated.
Parks Canada wants to remind the public that elk cows will aggressively defend their young, especially in the initial four-day period after birth. Parks Canada has placed elk-calving notices and messaging throughout the Three Valley Confluence area to warn residents and visitors about elk behaviour during calving season and what to do in the event of an encounter.
Paul Clarke
[email protected]
