If there’s one large animal that you’re almost guaranteed to see during a visit to Banff National Park, it’s elk. These massive deer are the most numerous large animals in the area with close to 350 found throughout the park.
Elk may appear harmless but they can become aggressive and attack without warning if they feel threatened. This is particularly true during spring calving season (May-June) when female elk fiercely protect their young and again in the fall mating season when males are particularly prone to agressive behavior.
Before acting defensively, elk will often show signs of distress including grinding their teeth, curling back their lower lip, or pinning their ears flat against their head. While they don’t always show these signs before an agressive encounter, it’s important to recognize them while in elk country.
The following video was taken at a Banff National Park campground and displays how not to behave around elk. These two tourists approach an elk with their dog, allowing the pet to get snout to snout with the wild animal before it shows agression and attempts to stomp on the dog. Both visitors fail to recognize the signs of distress displayed by the large deer as the animal pins its ears back multiple times before defending itself.
The key to viewing elk safely in the wild is by providing plenty of distance between you and the animal. Banff National Park recommends at least 30 meters, or about 33 yards. Additionally dogs must be on leash and under control at all times. Elk often see dogs as potential predators and may charge them. Read more on elk safety in Banff National Park below.
Banff National Park Elk Safety
Just because you see them in town, on playing fields or feeding near the roadside, please don ‘t mistake these elk for tame animals. These wild animals do not have a tolerance of humans getting too close and will lash out with hooves or charge with antlers forward if disturbed.
- Always keep a safe distance away from wildlife. We recommend keeping 30 metres, or 3 bus lengths, away from elk for safety.
- If an elk becomes alert or nervous, grinds its teeth or sends its ears back, you’re too close – back off.
- Use binoculars or a telephoto lens on your camera to get a closer look. Your vehicle is an ideal “blind” to take photographs from, but don’t spend too much time taking pictures – you could cause an “elk jam.”
- Never approach or feed any park wildlife for their well-being as well as yours.
- Never come between a cow and her calf or between any group of elk — period.
The key to safely viewing elk is to respect their wildness and need for space.