Understanding that animals are animals and should be given plenty of space, especially if they’re larger than you, doesn’t seem like it would be that hard of a concept to understand, and yet people manage to approach way too close way too often.
Elk might not look like the most intimidating animals in the world, but they can get agressive and will attack if they feel so inclined. This is especially true with bull elk during mating season, or August-September in Jasper National Park. The amount of space that people are required to give elk differs location to location, but it’s 30 meters, or nearly 100 feet, in the Canadian park. An easy way to comprehend this when you’re in the wild is to stay about three bus lengths away, or like 10x the distance this guy is giving.
Bull elk show signs of agitation by lowering their antlers towards you and/or pawing the ground or thrashing bushes. Even if the elk doesn’t appear to be agitated, they should always be given 30 meters of space. Their aggression isn’t always visible, so don’t count on it to predict their behavior.
Jasper National Park Elk Safety:
How to avoid an elk encounter
- Stay 30 metres (three bus lengths) away from all elk.
- Travel in groups and keep everyone together, with children within arm’s reach. Carry pepper spray and consider a visual deterrent like a walking stick or umbrella.
- Dogs must be on leash and under control. Elk often view dogs as potential predators and may charge at or attack them. Consider leaving your dog at home if you are not willing to keep it on a leash at all times.
- During calving season, avoid lone female elk and lone calves. Walk in open areas rather than forested trails to avoid unexpected encounters with female elk or calves.
- During rutting season, never stand or park your car between a male and the females, you may be attacked.
If you are unable to avoid an elk encounter
- Act dominant.
- Raise your arms or flap a jacket to make yourself appear larger.
- Maintain eye contact and move away.
- Seek protection behind a tree or vehicle.
- Contact encounters are rare. If you’re knocked down, get up and move away. Do not play dead!
