Mamma elk giving birth to calves in Canmore neighbourhoods

Provincial wildlife officers were forced to move a mamma elk and her newborn calf to a quieter area after the female elk gave birth in the front yard of a home in a Canmore neighbourhood earlier this week.

Town of Canmore peace officers helped Alberta Fish and Wildlife officers with the relocation of an elk and her calf in the Stewart Creek neighbourhood on Sunday (May 26), with reports of other newborn calves and their moms being moved out of busy areas over the past week.

“They have moved a few moms and their calves … they were in dangerous spots where there were lots of people,” said Nick de Ruyter, the program director with Bow Valley WildSmart.

Alberta Fish and Wildlife enforcement is currently assessing and monitoring any human-wildlife conflicts that are being reported in the community.

“While elk are generally not aggressive, cow elk with young calves can be easily provoked to attack while protecting their calves,” according to a Fish and Wildlife statement.

On May 29, Alberta Parks shut down the south half of the island by the Canmore’s Engine Bridge until further notice after a female elk with a newborn calf in the area charged several groups of people.

There have also been many other reports of female elk charging at people at various locations around town.

Female elk can be especially aggressive during the spring calving season, which typically runs in May and June.

Most elk are bred in September and into October, and after an approximately 245-day gestation period, cows will separate from the rest of the herd in spring to give birth.

A newborn calf can stand within 30 minutes to an hour of being born, but remains defenceless against predators for the first few weeks of its life. Because of this, cow elk keep the newborns well hidden in bushes and shrubs, but they always stand guard not too far away.

A cow elk will lick the calf to make sure it is perfectly clean and clear of any smells that could attract predators like wolves, bears or cougars.

The lack of smell from licking and the spotted coat keep calves well camouflaged from predators, but wildlife experts say this also means that calves are difficult for people to see – often before it’s too late.

They advise residents and visitors to never come between a cow and her calf, noting mother elk are extremely protective and can charge if they feel their young are threatened.

WidSmart’s de Ruyter said to give the elk lots of distance – at least 30 metres or three bus lengths – and turn around if confronted and find another way.

“The key thing is never try and sneak past. Don’t think they’re not watching you or they’re not paying attention,” he said.

“It’s just not worth it to try and sneak past them because they won’t let you. Don’t take the gamble if you see one; just wait it out or find another way around, like go a different route.”

Bow Valley WildSmart also reminds people it is mandatory to always have dogs on leash.

“It can be very dangerous for the calf, but also your dog,” said de Ruyter.

“Those mother elk are very large and heavy and have sharp hooves and they can very easily step on a dog and kill it.”

Bear spray is must have. Not only will bear spray defend against a charging elk, but newborn calves have been known to draw predators into town.

“The presence of newborn calves in and around town will also attract predators like bears, cougars, wolves, coyotes and so there's a higher chance that you might run into some of those animals as well around town,” said de Ruyter.

“They’re looking for an easy meal and so have that bear spray just in case, whether it be for elk or for those other predators that might be in town.”

If you encounter an aggressive animal, report it immediately to local wildlife authorities. For immediate assistance, call Fish and Wildlife at 310-0000. If outside business hours, use the Report a Poacher line at 1-800-642-3800.