A woman received a $1,500 fine after admitting guilt in Canmore Court of Justice for recording a video of her unleashed dog close to a grizzly bear. Brook Koski faced charges related to having her dog off-leash in a Banff National Park trail. The video of the incident, played in court, went viral on TikTok, amassing millions of views. Koski’s husband, Kraig, was seen with bear spray near Grizzly Bear 142, known as The Boss, instructing the bear to back off while the off-leash dog ran between them.
During the court hearing, Brook Koski expressed regret for her actions, acknowledging her error in judgment. Isaak Hurst, Koski’s lawyer, emphasized that Koski was distressed during the encounter and highlighted the couple’s respect for Canadian wildlife. Hurst defended their actions, stating that the dog did not attack the bear, and Koski’s husband handled the situation calmly, showcasing how to manage a grizzly bear approaching.
The Crown attorney, Caroline Lirette, described the incident as alarming and stressed the importance of keeping dogs on leashes to prevent negative encounters with bears. Lirette emphasized the need for visitors to adhere to park rules and coexist harmoniously with wildlife. Following reports from witnesses on July 19, park wardens contacted Koski and her husband, who admitted to having their dogs off-leash on the trail.
Justice Indra Maharaj commended Koski for her remorse but cautioned about the unpredictable nature of animals, particularly in ensuring their survival. Maharaj underscored the significance of leash laws in maintaining safety for both hikers and wildlife, especially in potentially dangerous encounters. The justice mentioned the possibility of the grizzly bear having cubs nearby and the fortunate avoidance of a tragic outcome.
Parks Canada enforces leash regulations in national parks, including Banff, Jasper, Kootenay, and Yoho. Giuliana Eljuri, a Banff field unit communications officer, advised visitors to adhere to leash laws, check for trail restrictions, and refrain from disturbing wildlife. Eljuri emphasized the legal prohibition against enticing or disturbing wildlife, including allowing off-leash dogs to chase animals.
