Bulletins

The elk rutting season has begun and will last until mid-October.

What you need to know

• Keep at least 30 metres away from all elk and never get between a male and the females
• Bull elk become extremely aggressive protecting their harems during the mating season
• Do not park your vehicle between a male and the females; elk may charge at your vehicle, which may result in damage

Tips on how to avoid and handle elk encounters

• Travel in a group
• Watch for elk at all times and detour around them
• If possible 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 Jasper 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

Report all elk encounters to Jasper Dispatch at 780-852-6155.