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Banff National Park travel safety advice


Banff National Park travel safety advice

Although cougar and bear attacks may get sensationalized in the media, statistically the greatest threat for injury or death in the park is driving through it. If you are unfamiliar with it is highly recommended you either find other transportation, or visit in the summer. If venturing in the backcountry you must also be aware of . This also applies to skiing out of bounds, in three words: Don't do it. Elk, moose and deer are unpredictable and potentially dangerous, especially females with young (May and June) and males during the mating season (September through November). Remember, stay at least 30 metres (3 bus-lengths) away from any elk, moose or deer. Elk in some areas of the park are accustomed to the presence of people and automobiles. Do not think you can photograph a bull elk (i.e. one with antlers) from close-up by driving slowly past it while you shoot. Especially during mating season, bull elk will attack an automobile without warning, and can cause serious damage. Wolves and coyotes are often seen on trails and along roads. Cougars are elusive and rarely seen, but they do live here. The chance of being approached by these carnivores is unlikely, but if you are approached, send a clear message that you are not prey.
  • Pick up small children immediately.
  • Try to appear bigger, by holding your arms or an object over your head.
  • Face the animal and retreat slowly. Do not run or play dead.
  • Maintain steady eye contact with the animal.
  • If the animal continues to approach, deter an attack by yelling, waving a stick or throwing rocks.
  • If you are attacked, fight back. Hit the animal with a heavy stick or rock.
  • Rules to follow for your safety and theirs:
  • Give all the wild animals you see the respect they deserve and the space they need.
  • Use your binoculars to see animals up close, and use telephoto for your photos.
  • Remain at least 100 metres (10 bus lengths) away from bears, cougars, and wolves.
  • Keep back at least 30 metres (3 bus lengths) from elk, moose, and deer. Bighorn * sheep are especially tolerant of our presence, but you should still give them at least 10 metres of space.
  • When viewing roadside wildlife remain in your vehicle and move on after a few seconds.
  • Learn more and educate yourself from a reliable source Ask park staff about wildlife safety, and how you can keep wildlife wild– and alive, or read Parks Canada wildlife publications available at information centers or on the website.

    The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Banff National Park


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    Banff National Park Travel Guide from Wikitravel. Many thanks to all Wikitravel contributors. Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0, images are available under various licenses, see each image for details.

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