Video of dog attacking deer in Banff under investigation by Parks Canada
Parks Canada says an investigation is underway after a video surfaced over the weekend of a dog attacking a deer in the Banff townsite.
The video, which was posted to social media over the weekend, shows a dog biting a mule deer in the Banff townsite, with the signage for the Moxy Hotel captured in the footage.
The nearly 40-second-long clip shows the dog apparently gripping onto the deer’s antler, while two people on the street try to get the dog off of the animal.
Respect wildlife. Keep your dog on a leash.
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Parks Canada tells Daily Hive that it is aware of the incident and an investigation is underway, adding that Parks Canada staff have found the deer since the attack and it “appears to be behaving normally.”
The federal agency added the incident serves as an important reminder for both residents and visitors to always keep dogs on a leash, under physical control at all times, and ensure that the animal does not chase, harass, bite or injure any person, other domestic animals, or wildlife.
“Not only is it the right thing to do, but it’s also the law. Leashing your pet isn’t just about their safety, it’s about protecting the wildlife that call this place home. Off-leash dogs can provoke defensive behaviour from animals like bears, elk, and deer or unintentionally harm smaller species. By keeping pets leashed, we help ensure the safety of both wildlife and our furry companions,” Parks Canada added.
Back in the spring of 2023, a dog was killed after chasing after a black bear on a popular walking trail in Jasper National Park. As a result of the attack, Parks Canada human-wildlife conflict specialists located the bear and destroyed it.