Warnings are issued for visitors to Alberta's national parks and Rocky Mountains due to the ongoing elk calving season (mid-May to early July), during which cow elk become extremely aggressive and protective of their calves. Parks Canada and Alberta Parks advise maintaining a distance of at least 30 meters from elk and taking precautions to minimize human-wildlife conflict.
'Extremely aggressive and protective': Elk calving season underway in Alberta
AlbertaBanffCanadaBiosphere Institute of the Bow ValleyParks CanadaDan RaflaNick De RuyterAnimalsDeerWildlifeMountains
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Warnings are issued for visitors to Alberta's national parks and Rocky Mountains due to the ongoing elk calving season (mid-May to early July), during which cow elk become extremely aggressive and protective of their calves. Parks Canada and Alberta Parks advise maintaining a distance of at least 30 meters from elk and taking precautions to minimize human-wildlife conflict.
- 1 Mid-May to early July: Elk calving season.
- 2 May 30 - June 1: Parks Canada closed an area at the west slope of Tunnel Mountain.
- 3 May until further notice: Alberta Parks issued elk-specific wildlife warnings for Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park trails and Larch Island.
- 4 2025-06-08: Article published, warnings continue.
- Potential for aggressive elk encounters and charges
- Temporary area closures
- Increased awareness needed for human-wildlife conflict
- Potential injuries to humans or dogs
What: Warnings and area closures are in effect in Alberta's national parks and Rocky Mountains due to aggressive cow elk during calving season. Visitors are advised to keep at least 30 meters away from elk and be aware of signs of agitation.
When: Mid-May to early July (elk calving season); last weekend (May 30 to June 1) for Tunnel Mountain closure; May until further notice for Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park warnings.
Where: Alberta, Banff National Park, Rocky Mountains, Bow Valley, Tunnel Mountain, Canmore, Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park, Cougar Creek, Larch Island, Jasper National Park, Waterton National Park, Kananaskis Country, boreal and foothills regions of Alberta.
Why: Cow elk are extremely aggressive and protective of their calves during calving season, posing a danger to humans who get too close. Newborn calves are immobile and scentless, making them hard to spot, and mothers perceive curious tourists as predators.
How: Parks Canada and Alberta Parks issue warnings, advise keeping 30 meters away, and implement temporary area closures (e.g., Tunnel Mountain, Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park trails). Visitors are advised to look big, pick up a stick, keep children close, face the animal, and back away if charged. Dogs should be leashed or left at home.