Elk rutting season safety tips from Parks Canada

The elk are at it again, and if you know what's good for you, you'll leave them to it.

Mating season is in full swing for the wild animals, and bull elk can become "extremely aggressive" when it comes to protecting their harems this time of year, warns Parks Canada.

Males will fight each other for the right to breed and gather cows, and they could charge without warning at anyone and anything that gets too close.

Already this year, five elk havebeen killed in Jasper National Parkfor aggressive behaviour toward people.

Here's how to keep yourself safe during the season, which lasts from September until mid-October.

1. Stay back

Parks Canada advises you stay at least 30 metres, or roughly three bus-lengths,away from elk at all times. Make sure you nevercome between a male and his females.

Do not approach, even in your car, as bull elk have been known to charge vehicles that appear to get in their way.

2. Act dominant

If an elk gets too close, assert your own dominance by making yourself appear larger.

Raise your arms, maintain eye contactand never turn your back or run.

Climb a nearby tree or position yourself so that a large object such as atree or rock liesbetween you and the elk.

Back slowly out of the area.

3. Do not play dead

If you see an elk, or if you are knocked down by one, do not play dead.

Get up immediately and move to cover or use an object to protect yourself.

Carry bearspray, a walking stick or an umbrella as an extra precaution, advises Parks Canada.

4. Leash your pets

Keep any pets on a leash at all times.

Elk may mistakeunleashed dogs forpredators, such as wolf or coyotes, and this can provoke aggression.