Rutting elk smashes passing SUV @ Jasper National Park
Rutting elk smashes passing SUV @ Jasper National Park

Some of the biggest bull elk in North America call Canada’s Jasper National Park home and during the annual mating season they become much more aggressive and prone to violent encounters.

Most of the physical confrontations take place between bulls to establish dominance and maintain their harem but anyone and anything that gets in their way while they are rutting stands the chance of becoming a target.

The following footage comes from a roadside inside Jasper where a group of tourists were observing a highly agitated elk from a safe distance inside a tour bus. Kendra Neef had just finished telling guests on the tour bus that bulls in the area were charging vehicles along this section of the road when this happened right on cue:

Bull elk are extremely territorial during mating season and will confront anything they perceive as a challenge to their mating prospects, whether it be animate or inanimate. The best way to observe the rut is from afar.

Jasper National Park Elk Safety Guidelines:

  • 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.

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