Elk rutting season has arrived, and as a result, a portion of Waterton Lakes National Park is closed for the safety of the animals and park visitors.
The Blakiston Fan is closed for the elk mating season. During the closure, foot and horseback travel through the area isn’t permitted.
The Hay Barn day-use area and the Alpine Stables are still open to motor vehicles and foot traffic.
“During rut, male elk become aggressive protecting their group of females, called harems, from other males,” Waterton Lakes National Park said in a Facebook post. “This is an important time for the species, and being disturbed can affect their ability to reproduce.”
Park visitors who want to watch the rut are reminded to stay in their vehicles, as it minimizes stress and disturbance, stay at least 30 metres away at all times, use binoculars for a closer look, don’t fly a drone in the park, and never lure wildlife with food or by simulating calls.
Elk rutting season will last until mid-October.