York Study Finds Elk Drive 62% of Park Wildlife Attacks as Hiking Leads Risky Activities
Updated
Updated · Nautilus · Jul 2
York Study Finds Elk Drive 62% of Park Wildlife Attacks as Hiking Leads Risky Activities
3 articles · Updated · Nautilus · Jul 2
Summary
York University researchers found elk were involved in 62% of aggressive wildlife encounters in Canadian national parks, far ahead of grizzly bears at 14% and black bears at 13%.
Hiking and wildlife spotting accounted for 25% of incidents, while townsite activities made up 22%, reflecting how elk and bears often become agitated when people enter their space or when animals drift into populated areas.
Adventure sports represented just 4% of encounters, suggesting quieter, routine park activities pose greater risk than high-intensity outings.
Researchers advised visitors to announce themselves, travel in groups, keep dogs on short leashes, and check wildlife notices and trail closures to reduce summer conflicts.