Rescue of elk trapped in icy Bow River in Banff caught on camera

The rescue of a bull elk stuck in the icy Bow River by Parks Canada in Banff has gained steam online after it was all caught on camera.

The clips of the rescue, which were posted yesterday afternoon by X user Fernie Mariam, showed the elk caught in the ice just upstream from the Banff Pedestrian Bridge.

The user captured the first failed attempt to rescue the stranded elk by Parks Canada; however, the elk eventually came around and Parks Canada was able to rescue the animal, with one video even showing members of the rescue team using a chainsaw to cut the ice near the elk.

The first video posted has amassed more than 116,000 views.

bull elk currently in the bow river in #banff please give parks canada team room to help. ⚠️ 🦌 pic.twitter.com/3kQ4J19KOO

— Fernie Mariam (@FernieMariam) March 27, 2024

first attempt failed pic.twitter.com/4Llh30wnah

— Fernie Mariam (@FernieMariam) March 27, 2024

very cooperative bull elk! great response by parks canada team 🙌 pic.twitter.com/YcderFcZMb

— Fernie Mariam (@FernieMariam) March 27, 2024

and he’s out! yay! 🦌 🎉 pic.twitter.com/K8BCbFg903

— Fernie Mariam (@FernieMariam) March 27, 2024

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Parks Canada told Daily Hive late Thursday morning that the elk was able to stand up with a little bit of encouragement and left the area after it was rescued, and the safety of staff and wildlife is a priority and Parks Canada is pleased that this incident has a positive ending.

Parks Canada added it would like to remind the public:

• Human and wildlife safety are of utmost importance to Parks Canada. Elk (and other large mammals) often fall through the ice on the Bow River in spring and fall – this is a natural occurrence. If you see a distressed animal on thin ice, never attempt to rescue the animal or interfere in any way.
• To immediately call Banff Dispatch at 403-762-1470 if you see a distressed animal or humans interfering with wildlife. Do NOT attempt to approach or rescue a distressed animal.
• To respect all Parks Canada area closures, respect Parks Canada personnel and provide them with the space they need to carry out their work.
• Give wildlife the space they need to survive and thrive. Never approach wildlife. Do not startle wildlife. If you make them move, you are too close. Ensure to maintain a distance of:
  • 3 bus lengths of space (30 metres) for deer, elk, sheep and moose; and
  • 10 bus lengths (100 metres) for bears, wolves and coyotes.
• Thin ice is extremely dangerous. As the temperatures begin to rise, ice on Banff National Park waterways will begin to thaw. At this time of year, visitors and residents are encouraged to stay away from ice for personal safety reasons, as ice conditions can change rapidly.