Banff Warns Visitors About Aggressive Wildlife After All That Time With No People Around

Visiting Canada's national parks is all fun and games until you get charged by an elk. Banff National Park warnings have been issued about aggressive wildlife in the area and closed off sections of the park. People are now being asked to look out for things like aggressive elk, coyotes, and more. 

Due to COVID-19, Canada's national parks were closed. But on Monday, June 1, Banff officially opened back up to the public. 

Friday, June 3, to Sunday, June 7, will be the first weekend the world-famous park is reopening its doors to visitors. Since people will be visiting, Parks Canada has issued some warnings surrounding aggressive wildlife.  

On the Parks Canada website, several closures and wildlife advisories have been issued. One of the warnings is for aggressive coyotes in the town of Banff.

This has prompted Parks Canada to warn the public to keep pets on a leash as well as minimize any wildlife attractions including food and garbage. 

Anyone who sees a coyote is encouraged to call Banff Dispatch at 403-762-1470 immediately. 

Another bulletin reads that there is an area closure in the Bourgeau and Sulphur ball diamonds due to nesting killdeer.

Killdeer are a type of bird often found in the province during breeding season, according to All About Birds.

The area is totally closed off, including the bleachers and setting areas. 

Anyone who is caught there may be charged with a maximum penalty of $25,000. 

This isn't the only area in the park closed because of nesting animals. The Two Jack Day Use Area peninsula including the shoreline and nearby waters is blocked off to the public due to loons that need protection from any human disturbance. 

The maximum fine for being caught in the area is the same. 

There is also a warning for restricted activity in the Sunshine Meadows, Citadel Pass, and Healy Pass Areas of Banff National Park to protect the habitats of grizzly bears. 

The elk calving season has also prompted traffic and travel closures along the west slope of Tunnel Mountain.

Elk are known to be aggressive during calving season which runs from May to June. During which time, they can charge to defend their young. 

The Calgary Sun spoke with Bill Hunt, a Parks Canada Banff rescue conservation manager about these animal advisories. 

Hunt said that when animals are given the opportunity to have fewer human interactions they move into certain areas quicker. 

Since the weekend is just around the corner, people are now being warned to use caution while out hiking and enjoying the areas.