Temporary closure of Highway 16 West
Rock scaling work continues on Highway 16 West, with a longer delay of approximately 1.5 hours scheduled for Sept. 9. This closure is necessitated by a hazardous broken rock feature that crews will remove by blasting. The blasting is tentatively scheduled to begin around 11:30 a.m. and both lanes will be closed until clean-up is complete.
For up-to-date information on road conditions and road closures, travellers can check the 511 Alberta Road Report at www.511alberta.ca, contact Jasper National Park鈥檚 road report information line at 780-852-3311, or check the road conditions report on our website at www.pc.gc.ca.
Elk rutting season has begun
The elk mating season has begun and will last until mid-October. During this time bull elk become extremely aggressive. Warning signs that read 鈥淎TTENTION鈥揈lk Mating鈥� have been posted at areas where elk herds often gather, including Whistlers Campground, various locations in the town site and at the Jasper Park Lodge.
What you need to know:
- Keep at least 30 metres away from all elk and never get between a male and the females.
- Do not park your vehicle between a male and the females; elk may charge at your vehicle.
- There is a 鈥淐ode of Conduct for Wildlife Photographers鈥� brochure available at the Information Centre.
Tips on how to avoid & handle elk encounters: 鈥�
- Travel in a group.
- Watch for elk at all times and detour around them. Try to 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 780-852-6155.
- 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.
