In Jasper, Elk Attack
These Rocky Mountain Critters Might Look Cool, But an Elk Can Kill You
Every year in Canada’s Jasper National Park a tourist shoves a camera in the face of an elk and gets mowed over for their efforts. And with weights that push upwards of 1,000 pounds and razor sharp antlers that spike to four feet, being on the wrong end of an elk could definitely put a quick and unceremonious end to even the best vacations.
- The elk of Jasper National Park may look cool. but they can be very dangerous
According to the CanWest News Service, between 1989 and 1999, nearly 600 people reported being attacked or chased by ornery rocky mountain elk, and 36 of them were treated for serious injuries in the Jasper area.
Although it should probably fall under the category of common sense, Jasper National Park officials have made a big push to help educate people on the importance of keeping a distance from the Elk. For now at least, it appears to have worked. In 2007, for example, elk attacks were down by about 75 per cent from their highest levels.
Officials at Jasper National Park recommend wildlife photographers remain at least 100 feet away from elk at all times. We would add a few feet and at least one barrier, or place to take shelter.
