BANFF, Alberta — Two hikers from Washington state could face fines of up to $25,000 after their off-leash dog repeatedly barked at and ran toward a grizzly bear during a tense encounter in Banff National Park, Canadian authorities said.

The incident took place on the Taylor Lake Trail, approximately nine miles southeast of Lake Louise. The hikers, identified as Brook and Kraig Koski, encountered Bear 142, a well-known 16-year-old female grizzly that has been monitored by Parks Canada for years.

According to reports, Kraig Koski was jogging ahead of his wife when he came across the bear. A video recorded by Brook Koski captured the approximately 90-second encounter, showing Kraig slowly backing away while facing the bear and carrying bear spray as a precaution.

During the encounter, the couple’s small dog, Lola, repeatedly ran between the hikers and the grizzly, barking at the animal. Although the couple can be heard calling the dog back, they did not leash or pick up the pet despite having multiple opportunities to do so. The bear eventually left the trail and disappeared into nearby woods, allowing the encounter to end without injuries.

After the video was shared online and attracted millions of views, Parks Canada wardens identified the hikers and filed regulatory charges under the Canada National Parks Act. National park regulations require pets to remain on a leash no longer than three meters at all times. If convicted, the couple could each face fines of up to $25,000.

Parks Canada emphasized that leash regulations are designed to protect both wildlife and visitors. In a statement, spokesperson James Eastham said that unleashed pets can provoke dangerous encounters because bears and other wild animals may perceive dogs as threats, potentially resulting in injury or death for the animal, the pet, or nearby people.

Wildlife experts also supported the decision to pursue charges. Nick de Ruyter, program director of WildSmart for the Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley, noted that the video showed ample opportunity for the hikers to secure their dog before the situation escalated. He stressed that protecting people, pets, and wildlife should always take priority over recording dramatic footage.

Officials further warned that off-leash dogs can disrupt wildlife by causing stress and forcing animals to avoid important feeding areas and habitats. Such disturbances may have lasting impacts on conservation efforts in protected parks.

Bear 142 is considered one of Banff National Park’s notable grizzlies. She is the daughter of Bear 122, widely known as “The Boss,” and has successfully raised several cubs over the years. Earlier this year, one of her cubs was killed after being struck by a train. Grizzly bears remain a threatened species in Alberta, making wildlife protection a key priority for park authorities.

Visitors to Banff National Park are reminded to follow all wildlife safety guidelines, including keeping pets on leashes, carrying bear spray, and maintaining a safe distance from wild animals to reduce the risk of dangerous encounters.

Source: https://www.foxnews.com/