Pennsylvania ranks 4th in the nation for deer-related car accidents, with drivers facing a 1-in-61 chance of a collision. The risk is even higher during the rut.

Common areas where elk may be found throughout the rut include the Banff Recreation Grounds and the Banff Springs golf course, among others. The elk rut season lasts until mid-October.

Join the conversation Elk gather at dusk in Banff National Park last November. It’s time for this year’s elk rut, but Parks Canada is once again warning that the mating ritual can be dangerous.

Parks Canada advises park users keep 30 metres away from elk during mating, keep dogs on leashes, and never get between a male and female. More safety tips on how to stay safe can be found here.

(Fewer than 2,000 elk inhabit the park during the winter.) The time period coincides with the end of the elk rut, or mating season, which occurs primarily in the park’s northern range.

(Fewer than 2,000 elk inhabit the park during the winter.) The time period coincides with the end of the elk rut, or mating season, which occurs primarily in the park’s northern range.