It’s that time of year again – rutting season for the local elk herd, and as beautiful as the animals are, it’s best to give them some space as the young ladies are courted. 

Already, Parks Canada has received reports of a bull elk becoming aggressive. One incident over the Sept. 10 to 12 weekend saw three vehicles damaged when a van tried to protect a group of cyclists trying to enter the Patricia Lake Bungalows. Parks intervened and directed further traffic in the area and chased away the gathered cows. 

Bull elk can be extremely dangerous as they enter rutting season, which runs from now until about mid-October. Signs have gone up around the park warning of the mating season in areas where the elk are known to frequent. Those areas include Whistlers Campground, around the Jasper Park Lodge and in the town site. 

Parks Canada’s Grant Peregoodoff recommends giving elk space – at least 30 metres, and warns against getting in between a bull and female elk. The bulls can get very protective of their females during this time. Parking a vehicle between a female and male elk can spur the bull to charge, causing damage to vehicles. 

To avoid an elk encounter, always travel in a group and keep an eye out for elk as you go. If you spot a herd, make sure you detour around them on the high side or up a slope if possible. Dogs should remain on their leash at all times, as they can easily provoke an attack. Elk can view a dog as a potential predator such as a wolf or coyote. Carrying pepper spray, a walking stick or an umbrella can all help in the event of an attack. 

If an elk does get too close for comfort, act dominant and use anything you have on your person to make yourself look larger, such as that umbrella. Maintain eye contact and never turn your back on an elk. If an elk charges, climb a tree or put a large object or rock in between you and the elk. Once you have carefully and slowly backed out of the area, warn nearby hikers and report the incident to Parks Canada. The dispatch can be reached at 780-852-6155. 

If you are injured or knocked down by an elk, do not play dead. Get up and attempt to get cover or protect yourself using an object.

To help educate campers, Parks has began distributing flyers to every vehicle with tips on how to prevent an encounter and what to do if one occurs. The flyer includes how to safely view elk. Staying vigilant and watching for signs of aggression can prevent an elk encounter. 

Staff is also upping their elk patrols, removing any that gather in town and at nearby campsites, while responding to reports of aggressive bulls.