managing ELK ENCOUNTERS

• Elk can be dangerous

• If the animal is responding to your presence, you are too close.

• Give elk plenty of room. Keep at a distance of at least 30 metres (or 3 school bus lengths).

• Do not approach elk or their calves.

• Make noise. Elk can endanger themselves or humans by suddenly running into traffic or fences if spooked.

• Female elk can be especially aggressive during the May-June calving season.

• Male elk can be especially aggressive during the September-October breeding season.

HANDLING AN ATTACK

• If you are charged by an elk, position yourself behind a solid structure such as a tree or car. Because of their long legs, elk have difficulty making tight turns to get around these objects.

• If you have bear spray, consider using it.