An American couple hiking in Canada has gone viral for all the wrong reasons. When the pair came across Banff National Park’s top apex predator on a hiking trail, they appeared to do all they could to spook the 16-year-old female grizzly bear while filming the encounter. In the process, they made one potentially disastrous and illegal mistake: having their dog off the leash.
Now, many national park and wildlife lovers are criticizing the couple for prioritizing fame over safety. Banff National Park has also spoken on the matter; Parks Canada, which manages Canada’s national parks system, has filed charges, and the couple is potentially facing a hefty penalty as a result.
Bear 142 Approaches U.S. Hikers And Their Off-Leash Dog
Brook and Kraig Koski, two Washington residents vacationing in Banff, Canada, were probably not anticipating a third hiker on their national park trip. But the video they’ve posted of their encounter, which has now gone viral, is evidence of just how common grizzly sightings are in this region.
As the video—recorded by Brook—pans out, a large grizzly can be seen slowly following the couple up a steep hiking trail. As Kraig attempts to wave his arms and spook the bear, the animal continues its slow trot behind them.
This time of the year, grizzlies are in search of food as they build fat reserves for the coming winter. August marks the start of more aggressive behavior, meaning the Koskis may have found themselves in a very uncomfortable situation had Bear 142 been on the prowl.
“Failure to keep your pets leashed in the national parks poses risks to pets and wildlife. Bears and other wildlife may react aggressively toward dogs they view as threats, resulting in their injury or death,” said Parks Canada spokesperson James Eastham in a statement to Global News.
In a frantic effort to deter the bear, Brook can be heard screaming, “Lola!” at the couple’s dog, who is off leash. As Lola runs back and forth between the two, Kraig can be seen quickly walking backward, as he and Brook attempt to yell at the grizzly to spook it. Several times, Brook says, “You’re too close!”
“There are signs EVERYWHERE in parking lots, trailheads. While you are in Banff National Park, you are required to keep your dog on a leash,” says one Instagram user on the viral video post.
And while her fear for Kraig is evident, many viewers are pointing out the apparent lack of concern for their small dog. As Brook continues recording, Kraig herds Lola away from the grizzly several times. The dog seems unaware of the danger they’re in, but neither makes any attempt to pick their dog up or use a leash to lead her away. Several times, Lola barks in the grizzly’s direction, but continues nonchalantly running between her owners.
After several harrowing minutes, the bear eventually turns off the hiking trail and the video ends. But for the Koskis and Lola, it was the start of criticism that now carries a possible penalty of $25,000 from Parks Canada, which has since filed charges against the American couple.
Fine Of $25,000 For Breaking Leash Laws
According to Brook, via Storyful, Kraig initially encountered the bear while jogging ahead on the trail. After posting the video, Parks Canada wardens were able to identify the couple, who openly defied the Canada National Parks Act. This law mandates that all dogs must be kept on physical leashes with a maximum length of 9.8 feet.
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Parks Canada Dog Laws |
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Keep your dog on leash (3 meters or less) at all times – it is the law. |
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Pick up and dispose of your dog’s waste in a garbage bin. |
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Always give wildlife the space they need. |
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Ensure your dog does not attack, harass or chase a person, animal or vehicle. |
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Select suitable activities and terrain that align with your dog’s and your abilities. |
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Check for area closures, trail restrictions, and updates on wildlife activity by visiting the park website or a Parks Canada Visitor Center. |
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Consider leaving your dog at home if you plan to camp, hike, or go into the backcountry. |
From Koski’s video, it appears that several of these laws were potentially broken. Not having their pet leashed is a significant violation. Additionally, their dog’s barking may also fall under harassment or chasing an animal. According to Parks Canada, the biggest concerns of off-leash dogs include the following:
- Off-leash dogs disturb wildlife, which can result in dogs and/or people being injured or killed on the trail.
- Dogs can disturb, injure, or kill small animals, including species at risk.
- Off-leash dogs are a common cause of wildlife incidents in our protected places.
Parks Canada also shares that off-leash dogs can pose long-term problems, such as wildlife avoiding certain crucial areas when searching for food in the future.
Parks Canada is being praised for its action, due to the sheer amount of time the couple had to grab their dog and defuse the situation.
While the situation was understandably terrifying for the couple, as well as their dog, Bear 142 may also walk away with the notion that the area is unsafe. As Parks Canada has only just filed charges against the American tourists, it’s unclear what their actual punishment (if any) will be until the final verdict. However, as a result of violating these laws, the Koskis could face the maximum penalty possible: $25,000.
