BANFF – An exhausted young bull elk that fell through the ice of the Bow River in Banff had a lucky escape when park wildlife specialists quickly jumped into action to save it from the frigid water.
As hordes of tourists and residents lined the riverbank on Wednesday (March 27), wildlife crews used a chainsaw to cut a path in the ice to help the distressed elk of the river upstream of the pedestrian bridge between Central Park and the Banff recreation grounds.
Initially unsuccessful in trying to get a harness around the young elk’s antlers, the chainsaw-cut path gave the elk some momentum to try to scramble out, but needed the extra help of a harness placed around its hind legs to finally get out.
A Parks Canada spokesperson said the staff, including one who was at one point in the river with the elk, were able to free the elk from the ice and assist it to shore.
“The elk was able to stand up with a little bit of encouragement and left the area,” said Natalie Fay, a spokesperson for Banff National Park in an email.
“The safety of staff and wildlife is a priority and Parks Canada is pleased that this incident has a positive ending.”
Once the elk was rescued, the crowds on the riverbank and pedestrian bridge clapped and yelled in delight. Young kids were cheering earlier, “save the elk, save the elk, save the elk.”
It is not uncommon for elk and other large animals to fall through the ice on the Bow River in spring and fall.
“This is a natural occurrence,” said Fay.
“If you see a distressed animal on thin ice, never attempt to rescue the animal or interfere in any way.”
Call Banff Dispatch at 403-762-1470 if you see a distressed animal or humans interfering with wildlife.