The first baby elk of the season was born over the May 14-15th weekend in Jasper National Park, right around the normal time of year for elk calving.
Parks Canada would like to remind residents and visitors in Jasper National Park to share the surrounding habitat with wildlife.
Elk need their space and can be aggressive at any time of year, but right now, protective moms are especially combative. They will protect their newborns by kicking and charging if they feel threatened.
The calving season generally lasts until the end of June. During this time, more than ever, be aware of your surroundings when out and about. Walk on open roads rather than forest trails to avoid stumbling upon female elk or calves. If you see elk, try to stay 30 metres away from them, keep children close and dogs on a leash and carry a walking stick or umbrella.
Watch for single female elk - they could be staking out a calving spot or have had a calf already, and won鈥檛 re-join the herd until the calf is at least 10 days old.
You鈥檒l have a pretty good idea that a cow elk is feeling hostile when you see her staring at you, flattening her ears, grinding her teeth, curling her lips or raising her rump hair. You are in a dangerous situation when she circles or follows you, or begins charging or kicking.
If you encounter an elk, seek protection behind a tree or vehicle, raise your arms or flap a jacket to make yourself look bigger, and move away while maintaining eye contact. Never turn your back and run, and always try to stay on higher ground than the elk. As a last resort, defend yourself if you are approached using whatever is available.
Visitor and wildlife safety is a top priority for Parks Canada, and staff are present to ensure a safe environment for both. During this time of year, our wildlife specialists will often move newborn calves and their moms from around campgrounds and populated聽 areas by carrying the calf while the mom follows. Mom and calf are then reunited in a safe location.
To help ensure the safety of residents and visitors, and to minimize disturbance to cows while they have their calves, Parks Canada has implemented trail closures in key calving locations. Closures are in effect now in zones one, two and three, which are located south of the Jasper townsite. Please check www.pc.gc.ca/jasper for the most up-to-date information about closures and conditions.
Infrastructure Update - New This Week
Starting this week, the Parks Canada trail crew will begin rehabilitation work on the trails at the Valley of the Five Lakes day use area and along Trail 7. The trails remain open to park users.
Parks Canada - Special to the 51暗网
