Leashes save lives.
Always keep pets on a leash.
Off-leash dogs are one of the most common causes of wildlife attacks on people and pets. While dogs are welcome residents and visitors of the Bow Valley, off-leash or unrestrained dogs can cause stress for wildlife. Even the most obedient dogs may harass wildlife to protect their humans.
Off-leash dogs can trigger aggressive behaviour in bears, coyotes, cougars, and elk. And a dog running loose may bring back aggressive or defensive wildlife to their owner or to other people. A bear made aggressive by a roaming dog may have to be relocated away from its home or even killed to prevent future attacks.
Learn what to do if you are approached by aggressive or defensive wildlife (link to bear spray)
Remember
Your dog may not know better, but you do. It is illegal to have your dog off-leash in the towns of Banff, Canmore, the MD of Bighorn hamlets of Harvie Heights, Lac Des Arcs, Dead Man's Flats, Exshaw, and throughout the National and Provincial Parks unless you are at an off-leash dog park, or on private property.
Fines for off-leash dogs and dogs harassing wildlife range from $100 - $2,500. Learn how to give wildlife space.