Parks Canada has laid charges against two hikers after a video showed their off-leash dog being stalked by a grizzly bear on the Taylor Lake Trail in Banff National Park on July 19, 2026.
The 1-minute and 27-second video shows the hikers backing away as a grizzly bear follows closely behind them on the trail. While one hiker films the encounter, the other holds bear spray and can be heard saying “Go bear.” Their dog, named Lola, repeatedly runs back and forth between the hikers and the bear, with the hikers calling for her to return.
The bear is believed to be female No. 142, a productive breeding female who lost one of her cubs to a train strike near Eldon siding in May 2026. She showed no signs of aggression toward the hikers or dog during the encounter.
Park wardens identified the hikers through their investigation and charged them under Section 5 of the National Parks of Canada Domestic Animal Regulations for having an off-leash dog. The maximum fine for such a violation is $25,000 under the Canada National Parks Act.
James Eastham, a spokesperson for Parks Canada for the Lake Louise, Yoho and Kootenay field unit, confirmed the charges and emphasized that off-leash dogs pose risks to both pets and wildlife. “Failing to keep your pets leashed in the national parks poses risks to pets and wildlife,” Eastham said. “Bears and other wildlife may react aggressively toward dogs they view as threats, resulting in their injury or death.”
Dogs are required to be on a leash no longer than 3 metres at all times in Banff National Park. Park officials continue to remind visitors that off-leash dogs are a major contributor to wildlife incidents.
