CANMORE – A cow elk thought to be protecting a newborn calf trampled and killed a dog in Canmore last week.
Provincial officials say Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services (FWES) received a report of an elk that charged and injured a dog in Canmore on May 25 at approximately 10 a.m.
They say officers responded promptly to the scene; however, the elk was not located upon arrival.
“FWES confirmed that, unfortunately, the dog did not survive the attack,” said Laura Vilchis, a spokesperson for Public Safety and Emergency Services in an email.
Female elk can be especially aggressive during the spring calving season, which typically runs in May and June, charging and kicking at people and dogs and striking with their hooves.
A newborn calf remains defenceless against predators for the first few weeks of its life, and because of this, cow elk keep the newborns well hidden in bushes and shrubs, but always stand guard not too far away.
Nick de Ruyter, program director for Bow Valley WildSmart, said it was very sad and unfortunate a dog was trampled and killed.
“It’s very, very sad and it kind of goes to the real dangers of having urban elk and that they can be legitimate dangers for people and for pets,” he said.
“It just goes to show how big and strong these animals are and how aggressively they will protect their babies and to what lengths they will go to protect their babies.”
During the elk calving season, de Ruyter said mother elk will aggressively defend their calves to anyone and anything that comes too close.
“We’re seeing now that they’re keying in on dogs,” he said.
“Dogs look like coyotes, wolves, and especially when they’re off leash, they’re a big threat because those animals do actively hunt elk calves and so these mothers have learned to be defensive against canines … and so a dog, coyote, wolf, she’s going to treat them all the same.”
It is not known whether the dog that was attacked and killed was on or off-leash and the circumstances that led to the elk attack.
“Dogs that are off-leash are in great danger because if they start chasing a mother elk, she will aggressively defend the baby and attack those dogs,” said de Ruyter,
“Even, as we’ve seen recently with dogs that are on leash, some of these elk might seek out those dogs kind of preemptively as an advanced defence system and potentially attack them.”
That was the case on May 20 when Hayden Daniels and his roommate were walking their dogs on-leash near Lions Park in Canmore. A female elk, which had been eating grass, charged from at least 100 metres away, coming to within mere metres of Daniels.
He was forced to get to safety behind a tree, while his roommate managed to get the dogs further away to safety.
“Obviously dogs need to be on leash, but even on leash, dogs could be in danger,” said de Ruyter.
Knowing that it is elk calving season, de Ruyter said residents and visitors need to be aware of their surroundings and on alert for cow elk when out for a walk.
“Be vigilant and have that bear spray ready just in case, and if you see any elk in any area, don’t try and sneak past them – don’t risk it – turn around and find another way to go,” he said.
“Maybe consider going walking in a place that’s more open, and not along river trails or wooded trails near parks, playgrounds and green spaces because that’s where a lot of food is for those mother elk.”
The Outlook made repeated requests to interview a Fish and Wildlife officer about the fatal dog attack on May 25; however, was told no officers were available.
This is an ongoing practice of several government departments, including Alberta Parks and the Public Safety and Emergency Services ministry, which oversees Alberta Fish and Wildlife.
The statement provided scant details. Despite asking about the fatal dog attack last Friday, the first statement on Monday morning did not say the dog was killed, only injured.
A follow-up prompted confirmation that the dog had died.
The statement said the fatal dog attack is an important reminder to residents and visitors in areas where elk are commonly sighted, such as Canmore, to be extra cautious around elk. Remember that:
- All elk can be dangerous during any season.
- Female elk can be especially aggressive during calving season (mid-May to early July).
- Male elk can be aggressive during the autumn rut (September to November).
- Some signs of an agitated elk include: staring with flattened ears and raised rump hair, curled lips, grinding teeth, and charging and kicking.
- Newborn elk draw predators such as bears and cougars.
To avoid an elk encounter while in elk country, people should:
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Always stay at least 30 metres away from elk.
- Avoid taking pets into areas where elk are calving.
- If you must take your pets, keep them on-leash at all times.
If you are approached by an elk:
- Act dominant by raising your arms or a big object.
- Maintain eye contact.
- Never turn your back and run.
- If possible, climb a tree or keep a large object between you and the elk.
- Back away slowly out of the area.
- If you are knocked down or fall, get up and try to find cover.
- Do not play dead
To report any dangerous wildlife, please contact the 24-hour report a poacher line at: 1-800-642-3800, or online at .
