Two hikers who filmed a July 21 encounter with a grizzly in Banff may face charges after their terrier, Lola, was seen off‑leash during the encounter. Parks Canada charged the couple under section five of the National Parks of Canada Domestic Animal Regulations after the one‑and‑a‑half‑minute video went viral. The bear, identified as 16‑year‑old Grizz No. 142, and all humans and animals were unharmed, but the incident highlights leash rules and fines of up to $25,000. Experts urge visitors to secure pets immediately and prioritize safety over filming.
Hikers Could Face Up to $25,000 After Off‑Leash Dog Encounters Grizzly in Banff
bear encounter causes fine
Two hikers who filmed a close encounter with a grizzly bear in Banff National Park may face significant fines after their dog was off‑leash during the incident. A viral video shows the couple retreating down a trail while a small terrier named Lola remains unrestrained as a grizzly approaches.
What Happened
On July 21, Brook and Kraig Koski posted video footage from Taylor Lake Trail, about 10 miles east of Lake Louise, showing a grizzly moving toward them and their dog. In the clip, a man believed to be Kraig retreats while holding bear spray as the person filming calls, "Lola, come here!" The one‑and‑a‑half‑minute recording shows the terrier staying close to the man's heels and never being leashed or picked up.
Investigation and Charges
Parks Canada says the viral clip prompted an investigation. "As a result of an investigation, Park Wardens have identified the individuals involved and laid charges for having an off‑leash dog under section five of the National Parks of Canada Domestic Animal Regulations," the agency said in an emailed statement.
"Failing to keep your pets leashed in the national parks poses risks to pets and wildlife," Parks Canada added, noting that off‑leash dogs can provoke aggressive responses from wildlife, injure animals, or cause wildlife to avoid important habitat and food sources.
Who Was the Bear
Park staff later confirmed the animal was a 16‑year‑old female known as Grizz No. 142, a familiar resident of the Lake Louise area who has produced several cubs. While neither the hikers, the dog nor the bear were injured and the bear eventually left the trail, the charges remain in place.
Rules and Potential Penalties
Regulations require pets in national parks to be on a leash no longer than nine feet. An unleashed pet in a national park can result in fines of up to $25,000, depending on the circumstances and charges laid by park wardens.
Expert Reaction and Takeaway
Nick de Ruyter, director of the WildSmart program at the Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley, criticized the hikers for filming rather than securing the dog. "The safety of them, their pets and other people is far more important than getting that video," he told CBC, noting there was time in the footage to leash or pick up the dog.
Takeaway: Keep pets leashed in national parks to protect animals and people, avoid habituating wildlife to humans, and prevent potentially costly penalties. Prioritize safety over recording the moment.
Help us improve.
