Prince Albert National Park of Canada

Visitor Safety

• Animals in the National Park are Wild and Unpredictable
• Safety for the Wildlife
• Elk are Dangerous!
• Deer
• Travel Safely
• Winter Safety

Animals in the National Park are Wild and Unpredictable

Visitors to Prince Albert National Park must strike a balance between pursuing enjoyment, and the issues of personal safety and the safety of resident wildlife. The following guidelines should help you to have an enjoyable and safe visit to Prince Albert National Park.

Read the publication " You are in Bear Country "

View wildlife from a safe distance and vantage point.

REMAIN IN YOUR VEHICLE to view wildlife on roadways.

SLOW DOWN when wildlife are near the roadside. Please do not stop.

OBSERVE the speed limit on all park roads.

AT ALL TIMES, MAINTAIN A DISTANCE OF 100 metres from moose, bears, elk, deer and bison. Visitors are discouraged from bicycling on Park trails during the rut (breeding season forhooved mammals) from late July throughout the autumn.

Become familiar with the natural hazards of the Park, be properly equipped, and well prepared (knowledge, skills, fitness) for wildlife viewing activities such as hiking, walking, and cross-country skiing.

Report aggressive wildlife to Parks Canada staff. Check with Parks Canada staff for information and safety warnings. Respect area and trail closures. Trails and areas are occasionally closed due to aggressive wildlife, poor trail conditions, on-going management activity or other hazards. Entering a closed area is an offence under the National Parks General Regulations.

Safety for the Wildlife

Do not feed the wildlife. Poor health and premature death can result from wildlife consuming food other than their natural food supply. It is forbidden to feed, touch or attract wild animals with food or bait.

Resist the temptation to pick wildflowers, cattails, berries, mushrooms or any other plant item. Plant matter and natural objects such as antlers and bones are part of the natural food supply for wildlife.

Dogs and other domestic animals must be kept leashed and under physical control at all times when in a National Park. Loose domestic animals present a hazard to wildlife as they are prone to chase and molest wildlife; they also present a public safety hazard.

It is an offense to lure, disturb, chase or molest wildlife in a National Park; penalties can range as high as $2000 or six months in jail.

Elk are Dangerous!

Elk can be aggressive and may attack without warning. People have been kicked, knocked down and seriously injured. Elk have attacked vehicles. In September and October, during the rut (the mating season), males are particularly aggressive. In May and June, during the calving season, females aggressively defend their young. Whatever the season, do not approach elk. Always maintain a distance of at least 30 metres from elk and other large animals (100 metres away from bears).

Deer

Deer may aggressively seek food from campers and picnickers. They may lash out with their hooves when they feel either threatened or frustrated. Dogs seem to incite the wrath of female deer, and many attacks on pets and people have occurred. DO NOT feed or approach any animal.

Travel Safely

BE PREPARED FOR ALL EMERGENCIES! Backcountry travellers in all seasons should be self reliant and fully prepared to deal with any mishaps which may arise on their outings. Trailheads are not patrolled on a daily basis.

We expect that you:

• are aware of the natural hazards and are properly equipped and provisioned;
• have adequate knowledge, skill and fitness level;
• are prepared for emergencies.

Need more information? We'd like to help you with:

• natural hazards information
• backcountry trip planning
• route information and advice
• voluntary safety registration for high-risk activities
• water and boating safety

Winter Safety

Hypothermia

Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it. The usual causes of hypothermia are a combination of cold, damp, wind and exhaustion. Most cases develop in air temperatures between -1° C and 10° C. Treatment of hypothermia involves supplying heat to the victim.

Prevention is the best option:

1. Avoid exposure,
2. Stay dry, and beware of chilling wind,
3. Use warm clothing and good rain gear (wool and some synthetic clothing insulates when wet),
4. Change damp undergarments,
5. Avoid overheating in order to prevent excessive perspiring with resultant energy loss,
6. Eat foods high in fats and carbohydrates,
7. Make camp before exhaustion sets in.

For further information consult St. John Ambulance Official Wilderness First-Aid Guide or other equivalent reference.

Ice Safety

Learn how to identify hazardous ice and plan safe travel routes on ice.

Planning a safe visit to a national park