Elk Calving season has caused a closure in Banff. Via Parks Canada website
Elk calving season in Alberta typically happens from mid-May to early July.
As a result of elk calving season quickly approaching, the west slope of Tunnel Mountain, south of the Tunnel Mountain Trail, is closed until the end of June.
This closure helps to reduce human/wildlife conflicts, as it provides a secure habitat for female elk during calving season.
Protective elk mothers could become aggressive while protecting their newborn and charge and kick at people, which could cause serious injuries.
Parts of the west slopes of Tunnel Mountain are important calving grounds for elk, and are a preferred calving area due to the relatively low levels of humans using the area.
This closure will be in place from May 1 to June 30, but all official trails in the surrounding area, Tunnel Mountain Trail, Surprise Corner, and the Bow River Trail, are still open for people to enjoy.
On top of that, climbing access to the Black Band and Gonda Roof climbing is still permitted due to climbers being able to comply with the closure by using the descent found on the picture in the article.
To avoid an encounter with an elk, Parks Canada advises people to stay at least 30 metres from elk and avoid lone female elk, as they separate from the herd for calving and may have a newborn calf nearby.
It is also advised to walk on open roads instead of forest trails to minimize stumbling into female elk or calves, keep children within arm’s reach, keep dogs on a leash, travel in groups, and carry a walking stick, bear spray, or umbrella.
For those who do encounter an elk, act dominant if it gets too close, seek protection behind a tree or vehicle, deploy bear spray, raise your arms or flap a jacket to make yourself appear larger, maintain eye contact while moving away, and if an elk knocks you down, get up and move away.
Do not play dead.
Incidents are able to be reported to the Resource Conservation office at 403-762-1470.
Those who violate the closure could be charged under the Canada National Parks act, which carries a maximum penalty of $25,000.
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