‘It Is Against the Law to Disturb Wildlife,’ Says Parks Canada After Viral Elk Encounter

Parks Canada is reminding visitors that approaching wildlife can be illegal and dangerous after a video circulated this week showing a woman standing within feet of a bull elk in Banff National Park.

The video, captured on December 7 by Canmore wildlife photographer Mike Sandru and posted to social media, shows a woman stepping out of a white SUV in the Cascade Mountain parking lot and walking directly toward a bull elk to take a selfie. Three others in the group later moved toward another elk. Sandru, who filmed the encounter from a safe distance with a 600mm lens, told Bow Valley Insider he was “shocked,” noting he’d never seen someone approach a bull elk that closely in nearly a decade of photographing wildlife in the Bow Valley.

Parks Canada confirmed it did not receive any reports about the encounter but said the behaviour shown in the video is unsafe and, in some cases, unlawful under federal regulations. “Approaching any wildlife, including elk, at close range is extremely dangerous. Not only is it dangerous, but it is also against the law to feed, entice or disturb wildlife in a national park,” said Kelly Veillette, Public Relations and Communications Officer for Parks Canada, in a written response to Bow Valley Insider.

A Clear Legal Line

Under the National Parks Wildlife Regulations, disturbing or enticing wildlife in any national park is prohibited. The rules are broad, covering any action that causes wildlife to change behaviour, move closer, or react defensively. Parks Canada says violations can carry fines of up to $25,000 when charges are laid and sufficient evidence identifies the individuals involved.

Veillette emphasized that elk, despite appearing calm or accustomed to humans, remain powerful and unpredictable animals. Bulls are especially aggressive during the fall mating season, while cows defend calves in the spring. Even outside those periods, Parks Canada advises staying at least 30 metres away from elk (roughly three bus lengths) and 100 metres from carnivores such as bears and wolves.

“If an elk becomes alert or nervous, grinds its teeth or sends its ears back, you’re too close,” Parks Canada warns in its wildlife guidelines. “Never take selfies with wildlife.”

How Parks Canada Monitors Incidents

Although no report was filed in this case, Parks Canada says staff regularly monitor busy areas and locations where wildlife is commonly present. Public reports made through Banff Dispatch play a major role in enforcement, particularly when unsafe behaviour occurs outside peak times or in less trafficked areas.

Information such as licence plates, photos, videos, and descriptions of individuals can support investigations when charges are considered. In cases where evidence is insufficient or the individuals cannot be identified, enforcement officials may issue warnings or rely on public education.

Parks Canada says it balances wildlife protection and visitor experience through a combination of seasonal advisories, on-the-ground patrols, and educational outreach. But the agency reiterated that the first line of defence is always the behaviour of visitors themselves.

Public Reaction

The video of the Cascade Mountain encounter sparked immediate and intense reaction online after Bow Valley Insider posted it to Instagram. Dozens of commenters expressed frustration, disbelief, and concern about the risks of close wildlife encounters. Many urged stricter penalties for violations, with one commenter writing that people “should be fined and not allowed back,” while others warned that incidents like these can “give the false confidence that wild animals are tame” until a serious injury occurs.

Several locals shared their own experiences witnessing unsafe encounters, including people approaching bears or even attempting to physically move elk off the road. Others noted that this type of behaviour is becoming more common as visitors seek dramatic photos and videos for social media.

The mix of exasperation, safety concerns, and calls for stronger enforcement reflected a broader sentiment: these incidents are not isolated.

A Reminder for Visitors

Sandru, who remained near his vehicle while filming, said he relies on distance and telephoto lenses as standard practice.

Parks Canada echoed that guidance. Visitors should use vehicles as viewing blinds, avoid spending excessive time photographing roadside wildlife, and never place themselves or their car between a bull elk and nearby females during mating season.

Unsafe wildlife encounters or concerning behaviour can be reported to Banff Dispatch at 403-762-1470.