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
'For God's sake, stop burning': N.S. premier bans all activity in forests, urges residents to abide by burn ban
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston has banned all activity in forests as of Tuesday, and says the wildfire damage is “extensive” and “heartbreaking.”

'We're going to rebuild': Indigenous communities look to recover from devastating wildfires
The East Prairie Métis Settlement is one of several Indigenous communities that were hard-hit by the recent wildfires in Alberta. As the wildfire season rages on, residents and community officials are looking among the ruins, pondering how they’ll recover from all the losses.
North Korea spy satellite launch fails as rocket falls into the sea
North Korea's attempt to put the country's first spy satellite into space failed Wednesday in a setback to leader Kim Jong Un's push to boost his military capabilities as tensions with the United States and South Korea rise.
Police identify engaged couple shot dead after dispute with landlord near Hamilton
A young couple shot and killed after a dispute with their landlord near Hamilton have been identified by police.
B.C. teacher who singled out students over their breasts, bathroom-use suspended for 5 days
A B.C. high school teacher is facing a five-day suspension and course requirement after making multiple students feel uncomfortable or embarrassed about their bodies—and it’s not the first time he’s been disciplined in the past decade.
Blue Jays pitcher 'truly sorry' for sharing anti-LGBTQ2S+ video
Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Anthony Bass said he is 'truly sorry' for sharing a controversial anti-LGBTQ2S+ video on Instagram.
Low sexual satisfaction linked to memory decline later in life: study
Low sexual satisfaction in middle age could be linked to future memory decline, according to a new study.
5 things to know for Wednesday, May 31, 2023
Federal leaders react to the results of the Alberta election, top artificial intelligence experts raise concerns about the 'risk of extinction,' and a Toronto Bue Jays pitcher issues an apology.
Statistics Canada to release GDP figures for the first quarter of 2023 today
Statistics Canada is set to release today its latest reading on how the economy fared in March, as well as for the first quarter of the year.