Renowned wildlife photographer Rod Young has developed a close familiarity with the bull elk residing in Prince Albert National Park. In early October, Young noticed one of the bull elks struggling in distress. “That particular bull had been a frequent presence, and on that day, it was entangled in what seemed to be some sort of netting, possibly a hammock,” Young recounted.
After capturing some photos and a brief video of the entangled elk, Young promptly alerted Parks Canada authorities. According to Young, the elk appeared exhausted and agitated due to the entanglement. Parks Canada’s resource conservation team located the elk on Kingsmere Road and administered a tranquilizer to the animal to facilitate its rescue.
The elk was sedated for approximately 40 minutes while the Parks Canada staff carefully removed the netting. Once the elk began to regain consciousness, the team monitored its vital signs until it safely rose and walked away. Ten days later, another bull elk required rescue from fencing, underscoring the importance of swift intervention in such incidents to prevent harm or fatalities to wildlife.
Tom Perry, acting resource conservation manager, emphasized the potential dangers posed by various materials like snow fencing, ropes, and netting to wildlife. He urged the public to responsibly manage these items to prevent harm to animals. Perry highlighted the need for wildlife coexistence, advising a safe distance of 30 meters from wild animals, especially during the fall mating season when bull elks can exhibit aggressive behavior.
While acknowledging the allure of wildlife viewing and photography, Parks Canada advocates for respectful observation from a distance without approaching or disturbing the animals. Perry emphasized the essential role of mutual respect and understanding in safeguarding both wildlife and human communities within the park’s ecosystem.