How To Stay Elk Smart By Tyler Dixon The unmistakable bugling of male elk is one of the unofficial signs that autumn is just around the corner. It is also an indication that the rut has begun, which means it's time to brush up on your Elk Smart skills. Elk, also known as Wapiti, are one of the biggest members of the deer family. Although these large mammals appear docile much of the year, during rutting (mating) season the bulls can be aggressive and unpredictable. The rut typically lasts from late August until the end of October. During this time, bulls are rounding up females in an attempt to mate with them. They are very protective of their harem and will challenge other bulls to protect what they perceive as theirs. Even though we humans do not look like a bull elk, we can be viewed as competitors. Males have been known to charge humans or their dogs who get too close. This is exactly why we must exercise caution when recreating in elk country. To<br /> prevent an unwanted encounter, people are encouraged to keep a minimum distance of 30 meters between themselves and elk. Take the necessary precautions to ensure you never get between a male and his females, this includes parking your vehicle between them. Bulls have been known to charge vehicles, causing extensive damage. To elk, dogs can resemble a predator, such as a wolf or coyote, so it's always recommended to keep your pet leashed at all times. Travelling in groups, staying alert, and carrying bear spray, can help prevent unwanted encounters. If you find yourself in the presence of a bull elk, here are some strategies to help with the encounter. Whenever possible, detour around them on the uphill side. If an elk gets too close or appears to be acting aggressively, act dominant and raise your arms to make yourself appear larger. Maintain eye contact and never turn your back or run. Back away slowly, leaving plenty of space for the elk to leave the area. Climbing a tree or keeping an object (such as a tree, boulder, vehicle, building etc.) between yourself and the animal has also been proven to be effective in the event of a charge. • If you're knocked down, don't play dead. You need to get up and attempt to move to cover or use an object as protection. Once it's safe to do so, report aggressive elk behaviour to the proper authorities. In the Bow Valley and Kananaskis Country, please call 403-591-7755. Even though there isn't a large Elk population in the Bragg Creek area, there is still a chance of encountering them. The above tactics also work with other ungulates, such as moose, whose rutting season occurs at the same time. Autumn is one of my favourite times to visit the mountains. Just make sure you're prepared and are practicing wildlife safety procedures while you're there.