A woman was fined $1,500 in Canmore Court of Justice after admitting guilt for filming a viral video of her off-leash dog near a grizzly bear in Banff National Park. Brook Koski faced charges related to the incident, which gained widespread attention on TikTok with millions of views.
The video showcased Koski’s husband, Kraig, carrying bear spray and shouting warnings to a well-known female bear, Grizzly Bear 142, as it crossed paths with their off-leash dog. Despite the close encounter, the bear did not display any aggression.
During the court hearing, Brook Koski expressed regret for her actions, acknowledging a “lapse in judgement.” Her lawyer, Isaak Hurst, emphasized that the couple intended to show respect for Canadian wildlife and nature. Hurst highlighted the calm demeanor of Koski’s husband during the encounter, describing it as a lesson in handling such situations with grizzly bears.
Caroline Lirette, the Crown attorney, described the incident as “terrifying” and stressed the importance of leash laws to prevent negative encounters between dogs and bears. She emphasized the need for visitors to adhere to park rules and coexist harmoniously with wildlife.
Justice Indra Maharaj commended Koski for showing remorse but cautioned about the unpredictable nature of animals, particularly in ensuring their survival. Maharaj highlighted the significance of following leash laws to ensure both human and animal safety in outdoor settings.
Parks Canada mandates that dogs must be on a leash at all times in national parks, including Banff, Jasper, Kootenay, and Yoho. Visitors are urged to check for trail restrictions and consider leaving their dogs at home when engaging in outdoor activities to prevent disturbances to wildlife.
Giuliana Eljuri, a communications officer for the Banff field unit, reiterated the importance of responsible actions in national parks and the prohibition against feeding, enticing, or disrupting wildlife. This includes preventing off-leash dogs from chasing wildlife, as it is illegal and can lead to harmful consequences.
