Stay clear of elk during calving season, wildlife expert cautions

A wildlife expert is warning those heading out to the mountains that it's elk calving season, so people need to stay alert.

Jay Honeyman, a human-wildlife conflict biologist with Alberta Environment and Parks, says calving season also means bears and cougars could be in the area hunting for the newborn calves.

Bears have emerged from winter dens and are wandering valley bottoms in search of food.

"Be aware that wildlife are out there, and with the elk they're very protective of their calves right now … if you crowd them, they can respond aggressively," he said.

• Watch this video on what to do if you encounter a bear:

The number of elk calving in the Canmore area, in particular, appears to be growing in recent years, he said. 

These newborn calves could attract predators looking for food, which could lead to more human/wildlife encounters.

While there haven't been reports so far of bears or cougars preying on calves in developed areas, Honeyman is reminding people to keep their distance from wildlife.

Officials have posted warning signs and are working on strategies to discourage elk from entering town.

"I think people just need to really be aware when they're out on the trails and even when they're in residential areas right now, particularly on the periphery of town up against the corridors," he said.

Earlier this month, there were multiple reports of aggressive elk confronting humans in the Canmore area, said Nick de Ruyter of WildSmart.

Elk calving season winds down in a few weeks.