Large elk herd wanders through neighborhood

• Large elk herd moves through mountain residential area
• Surprises local residents
• CO asks public to stay cautious

New puppy owner, Melanie Valentine, woke up early to let out her new pet. When she looked out over the golf course where she lives on the outskirts of Kelowna she was amazed at the powerful image playing out in front of her.

“We look out over onto the first tee, and I see all these elk,” Valentine told Kelowna10.

Valentine said there had to have been over 100 of them.

“It almost looked like a flock of birds. It was crazy because they moved as one unit,” Valentine said.

Typically, elk are not the type to be easily spotted, so it’s not everyday that a herd of that magnitude chooses to stroll through a golf course.

“I’ve seen the odd elk here and there on the side of the road… but I’ve never seen them, a herd, like an actual herd like that,” Valentine said.

She added the elk were grazing for roughly two hours in front of them.

“You could hear them squeaking, they make a funny noise like this little squeaking noise,” Valentine said.

According to Valentine, the elk got spooked and ran up beside their house onto a green.

“I can’t imagine the greenskeepers in the spring, because the golf course is going to be a mess,” Valentine said.

The elk eventually ran up behind their house, across the road, and up into the bush.

“When I saw it, it was like, I had to take a second look, because I couldn’t believe it,” Valentine said.

“Yeah it was pretty cool, it was great.”

The conservation office has asked the public not to harass the elk herd in the area, and to respect private property.

Advice from conservation officer if you encounter elk

STOP : Never approach or feed an elk at any time for any reason. Elk are most dangerous during the spring calving season, fall breeding season and late winter.

KEEP BACK: At least 30 meters.

STAY CALM: Detour around any elk, give it space and distance. Speak in a soft voice, make your presence known and slowly back away.

KEEP CHILDREN CLOSE: Always keep children nearby and in sight. Pick up all small children immediately.

BE PREPARED: Utilize natural barriers and keep a tree or other large obstacle between you and the elk. Back away immediately if an elk does the following:

- Lowers its head and moves towards you, lays back its ears, raises it rump hair, grinds its teeth or stomps the ground.

- If an elk approaches, appear large and make loud noises.

- If an elk charges, find cover immediately and get behind it.

- If an elk attacks and knocks you to the ground-curl up into a ball and cover your head, neck and vitals.

- Stay still. Don't get up until the elk retreats.

PETS: Dogs may provoke an elk attack. Keep dogs on a leash or at home.

To report elk sightings or to obtain further information, please call the RAPP line.

REPORT ALL POACHERS AND POLLUTERS 24-Hr Hotline: 1–877–952–RAPP (7277)