It is that time a year again when female elk are getting ready to have their calves, prompting wildlife officials with Parks Canada to remind residents and visitors to be vigilant.
From mid-May to June, female elk go into secluded woodlands to have their young, which they will aggressively defend from any real or perceived threat.
That creates the possibility for people to be hurt by inadvertently getting too close to a cow and her calf, which is defenseless to predators for the first three weeks of its life. Typically, a cow elk visits the calf a few times a day, standing guard not far away until it has gained its running legs and can rejoin the herd with its mother.
Residents and visitors are advised to stay aware and give elk the space they need by staying back at least 30 metres. Never get between a cow and her calf, as the female elk can strike out with sharp hooves.
In addition, it is critical for pets to be kept on a leash at all times and any warnings or area closures in effect obeyed.
Parks asks that any sightings of elk within the townsite boundary, or any aggressive elk incidents, be reported immediately to Banff dispatch, 24 hours a day, at 403-762-1470.
