Parks Canada disputes wildlife attack information reported by SportingPedia
Parks Canada says information on wildlife attacks in Canada published by a sports news and betting website isn't accurate, saying the outlet "misinterpreted" the data used and presented "exaggerated and false conclusions."
The article from SportingPedia.com examined data on human-wildlife interactions in select national parks from 2010 through 2021, using information from Parks Canada's Open Government portal.
Published on Feb. 15, the article suggested Alberta is the most common place to have a wildlife encounter, and elk are the most dangerous.
"Data reveals that elk are the most likely to attack, followed by grizzly and black bears, depending on the province or territory you live in," reads the article.
SportingPedia said its research showed there were 3,726 wildlife attacks in Alberta during the 12-year period, with the majority of those (2,299) attributed to elk.
Grizzly bear attacks (431) and black bear attacks (243) were listed second and third, while other animals made up the remainder.
However, Parks Canada is calling SportingPedia's methodology into question, saying it does not support the conclusions presented in the article.
"The data that are accessible to the public include instances of many kinds of human-wildlife interactions," said Parks Canada in a statement sent to CTV News.
"The vast majority of incidents are minor and can be managed safely with low risk to people. Some of these incidents are classified as 'aggressive encounters,' which is a broad term that includes a wide range of animal behaviours, including contact with people, property and pets; a non-contact charge towards a person, pet or vehicle; or a physical or aggressive display (non-contact).
"An aggressive encounter is not the same as an attack. Occasionally, there are hazardous incidents between people and wildlife that can result in injury or death of either wildlife or people.
"The outlet misinterpreted Parks Canada’s data, and presented exaggerated and false conclusions."
Parks Canada said it is committed to increasing public awareness about respecting wildlife and safe practices for coexistence in shared landscapes, and identifying proactive measures to reduce conflicts and avert serious incidents between people and wildlife.
CTV News has reached out to SportingPedia for comment, and will update this article with the organization’s response when we hear back.
Correction
CTV News originally reported on the findings of SportingPedia’s article but has since updated our original copy with concerns outlined by Parks Canada.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.