Elk Most Often Trigger Aggressive Encounters in Canadian National Parks, Study Finds
A University of York–led study analyzing Parks Canada records from 2010–2023 finds elk are involved in about 62% of aggressive human-wildlife encounters in Canadian national parks, far more than grizzly bears (14%), black bears (13%), mule deer (7%), or coyotes (3%). Encounters occur most during low-impact activities and at townsites, with elk accounting for roughly 73% of townsite incidents and 57% of adventure-sport incidents. Bears tend to be involved during low-impact activities. The authors recommend simple precautions (announce yourself, talk or hike in groups, keep dog leads short) and suggest park managers target signage and outreach where these high-risk pairings occur.
