Parks Canada is investigating an incident in which an off-leash dog attacked a male deer on Banff Avenue. The incident, which occurred over the weekend, has raised serious concerns about wildlife safety and the importance of responsible pet ownership.
Natalie Fay, the external relations manager for Banff National Park, confirmed the investigation but stated that further details are not available at this time. She emphasized that the event serves as a powerful reminder to both residents and visitors of the necessity to keep dogs on-leash at all times.
In Banff National Park, regulations mandate that dogs must be leashed when outside, a rule designed to protect both pets and wildlife.
The alarming scene, which was captured in a 40-second video and shared on Reddit, shows the off-leash dog attacking a mule deer near the Moxy hotel. The dog appears to bite into the deer’s ear and grab its antler, refusing to let go. A woman attempts to intervene but is knocked to the ground during the struggle, at one point grabbing the deer’s antlers in an effort to stop the attack.
Nick de Ruyter, program director for Bow Valley WildSmart, described the attack as deeply concerning, noting the potential dangers it posed. “It’s definitely startling… the dog was obviously harassing that deer big time,” de Ruyter said. He explained that the situation not only endangered the deer but also posed risks to both the dog and people nearby.
“The dog could have been injured, and the deer might have run into traffic, which could have caused a vehicle accident,” de Ruyter added. “This highlights why pets must be kept on-leash unless in designated off-leash areas.”
The timing of the attack is particularly troubling, as deer and other wildlife are low on energy after the fall rut and during winter months. De Ruyter explained that the stress of the attack could severely impact the deer’s survival, potentially even leading to death if the animal becomes too stressed or exhausted.
This incident underscores not only the need for adherence to leash laws but also the broader responsibility to protect wildlife in the Bow Valley. “Your dog may seem well-behaved, but you never know how they might react to wildlife,” de Ruyter said. “It’s about doing the right thing and being a good neighbor to both wildlife and fellow park users.”
Fay reminded residents and visitors of the importance of understanding their responsibilities as park users. “Off-leash dogs can provoke defensive behavior from animals like grizzly bears and elk or unintentionally harm smaller species,” she said. “When you leave Banff National Park, leave it wild.”
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