Judging from the video commentary by Kendra Neef, it was only a matter of time before this roadside elk in Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada connect with a passing vehicle. Hard to say if the Nissan SUV was slowing down to get a better look or for the safety of the animal. Either way it unfortunately ended up taking a direct hit from the elk which are in rut and particularily aggressive this time of year. Eerily reminiscent video of a situation from a couple weeks back in Alberta, Canada where another elk took a run at Hyundai.
RELATED: Pissed Off Bull Elk Spears Passing Hyundai
JASPER NATIONAL PARK: The elk rutting season has begun and will last until mid-October.
What you need to know
- Keep at least 30 metres away from all elk and never get between a male and the females
- Bull elk become extremely aggressive protecting their harems during the mating season
- Do not park your vehicle between a male and the females; elk may charge at your vehicle, which may result in damage
Tips on how to avoid and handle elk encounters
- Travel in a group
- Watch for elk at all times and detour around them
- If possible walk around elk on the high side of a slope or up-hill
- Stay back at least 30 metres
- Keep your dog on a leash at all times
- An unleashed dog may prompt an elk to become aggressive as they view the dog as a predator (wolf or coyote)
- Carry pepper spray, a walking stick or an umbrella as protection
- Act dominant if an elk gets too close
- Raise your arms or any big object (jacket or umbrella) to make yourself appear larger, maintain eye contact, and never turn your back or run
- Climb a tree or keep an object, like a tree or large rock, between you and the elk
- Back slowly out of the area
- Warn other hikers of an elk ahead and report the incident immediately to Jasper Dispatch at 780-852-6155
- If you are knocked down or fall, get up and try to move to cover or use an object to protect yourself
- Do not play dead
Report all elk encounters to Jasper Dispatch at 780-852-6155.
