Parks Canada helps rescue elk from the Bow River in Banff
A bull elk was rescued from the icy waters of the Bow River in Banff National Park on Wednesday.
Viewer video of the incident showed the animal had somehow fallen through the ice and into the water.
Parks Canada wildlife crews soon arrived on the scene and used a tow rope as well as a chain saw to help get the animal out of the water.
A Banff resident who took the video told CTV News that animal encounters are common in the community and wildlife officials are well trained to handle them.
"It's a really hard job, there's a lot of risk to it," said Katie Goldie. "Those animals are 700 pounds and he's a young elk so he's got almost stabbing antlers that are quite dangerous.
"A lot of planning goes into that and a lot of people really want to see it get rescued as quickly as it can but you have to be patient and do it as safely as possible."
After the elk was freed, it appeared to be uninjured and calmly walked away.
Goldie says she's seen about three to four elk rescues at this time of year as the weather is warming up and the ice on the Bow River is getting thinner.
Parks Canada said Thursday it is pleased that the incident had a positive outcome for the animal.
"Human and wildlife safety are of utmost importance to Parks Canada. Elk (and other large mammals) often fall through the ice on the Bow River in spring and fall – this is a natural occurrence," officials said in a statement.
"If you see a distressed animal on thin ice, never attempt to rescue the animal or interfere in any way."
Parks Canada says if anyone sees any animal in danger in Banff National Park, they should contact Banff Dispatch at 403-762-1470.
It also had a warning about the dangers of ice, now that the weather is warming.
"As the temperatures begin to rise, ice on Banff National Park waterways will begin to thaw. At this time of year, visitors and residents are encouraged to stay away from ice for personal safety reasons, as ice conditions can change rapidly."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Ontario to ban use of cellphones in school classrooms starting in September
Ontario is introducing a suite of measures that will crack down on cellphone use and vaping in schools.
'Do not consume': Gift Chocolate recalled due to undeclared milk, soy
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued a recall for a specific chocolate brand sold in Ontario and Quebec.
Kitchener family says their 10-year-old needs life-saving drug that cost $600,000
Raneem, 10, lives with a neurological condition and liver disease and needs Cholbam, a medication, for a longer and healthier life.
Invasive and toxic hammerhead worms make themselves at home in Ontario
Ontario is now home to an invasive and toxic worm species that can grow up to three feet long and can be dangerous to small animals and pets.
Murder charge laid after man falls to death from Toronto apartment balcony
One person has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of a man who fell from a balcony following an altercation inside a Toronto apartment building.
Dozens in Italy give a fascist salute on the anniversary of Mussolini's execution
Dozens of people raised their arms in the fascist salute and shouted a fascist chant during ceremonies Sunday to honor Italian dictator Benito Mussolini on the 79th anniversary of his execution.
Zendaya tennis movie ‘Challengers’ scores at weekend box office
Zendaya and castmates Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor have been on a globetrotting press tour to get the word out about Italian director Luca Guadagnino's original film, which opened in 3,477 locations in the U.S. and Canada.
BREAKING Quebec to invest $603 million to protect the French language
Quebec will invest $603 million over five years to counter the decline of French in the province, French Language Minister Jean-Francois Roberge announced Sunday.
Nicole Kidman, who 'makes movies better,' gets AFI Life Achievement Award
Morgan Freeman spoke the words, but pretty much everyone who took the stage at the presentation of the AFI Life Achievement Award agreed: "Nicole Kidman. She makes movies better."