Scott Hayes | [email protected]
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
With the six-week elk calving season starting this week, Parks Canada has put out a public reminder to keep everyone safe.
鈥淒uring calving season, protective mothers aggressively defend their newborns by kicking and charging at people. Do not approach elk in any season as they are dangerous and can attack without warning,鈥� the announcement reads.
Elk calving lasts until the end of June. Protective mothers will aggressively protect their newborns by kicking and charging at people. If you observe a female elk staring directly at you with curled lips, grinding teeth, flattened ears and raised rump hair, this means danger.
Additional danger signs include charging or kicking, and circling or following.
At this time of year, both elk and bears are more active beside roadways as they forage on new vegetation. This makes springtime the period with a greater potential for negative interactions with both of these large and powerful animals.
There are two areas that are closed off for . People must heed those restrictions and pay attention to other warnings posted around the park.
Parks Canada offered a number of recommended behaviours to help people .
- stay 30 metres (the equivalent of three bus lengths) away from all elk;
- if you are driving then remain in your vehicle;
- avoid lone female elk as they may have separated from the herd for calving and may have calves hidden nearby;
- stay in open areas rather than venture onto trails through treed areas in order to avoid unexpected encounters with female elk or calves;
- stay alert by paying attention to closures and warnings;
- make noise during your travels;
- travel slowly when biking or running;
- do not wear earbuds;
- travel in groups and keep children within arm鈥檚 reach;
- dogs must be on leash and under control; and
- carry pepper spray and a visual deterrent like a walking stick or umbrella.
If you can鈥檛 avoid an elk encounter, you should act dominant and raise your arms or flap your jacket to try to appear larger. Maintain eye contact with the animal and move away while seeking protection behind a tree or vehicle.
While it is rare for an elk to contact a person, it does occur. If it does and you get knocked down, you should immediately get back up and move away.
鈥淒o not play dead,鈥� the announcement states.
