Elk mating season at Jasper National Park: Parks Canada warn to stay away

Elk mating season is here in Alberta, and Parks Canada has a simple request: Stay away.

Rangers say from late August to mid-October, Jasper National Park will be noisy with bull elk calls, and it will sound like “a high-pitched roar followed by low coughs or grunts.”

They add elk from harems during rutting (mating) season, which is when one dominant bull elk joins with many females.

“Bulls become extremely aggressive as they are protecting their harems from other males,” Parks Canada said in a news release.

Park officials say it’s important to give elk and other animals space and not to approach.

They added park regulations require visitors to stay at least 30 meters away to view elk.

Rangers also say to photograph the animal in its natural environment or use a really long lens instead of moving closer to the animal, adding not to follow elk or try to entice them with food or with animal calls.

They also warn against taking a selfie with wildlife, which is dangerous.

“Never put people (especially children) at risk by posing them with wildlife,” Parks Canada says.

Rangers suggest dogs be kept on a leash and under control and to consider leaving your dog at home as “elk view dogs as potential predators and may charge at or attack them.”

They say not to stand, walk, drive, or park your car between a male elk and the females.

If you happen to get close, don’t make direct eye contact, but “keep your eyes” on the elk as you move away. “Do not turn or run away,” rangers say.

Another suggestion is to seek protection behind a tree or vehicle.

Park officials say to “raise your arms or flap a jacket to make yourself appear larger,” but if you happen to be knocked down, get up and move away.

More information on wildlife safety can be found online.