This Elk Never Stood A Chance Against A Wolf Pack Near Banff

The Huffington Post Canada  |  By Jesse Ferreras

Posted: 02/24/2016

 

Christopher Martin's work as a nature photographer has put him close to animals such as grizzly bears and coyotes.

But few of his experiences come close what he witnessed near Banff, Alta. on Sunday.

Martin, who lives in Bragg Creek, was driving some clients to Lake Minnewanka when they spotted an elk on top of a railway crossing near the Banff townsite.

The animal was acting strangely, pacing back and forth, when a wolf suddenly appeared and snapped at its neck.


Excited, Martin walked to the top of a hill to see that the elk was being attacked by not one, but four wolves.

"They were alternating between herding it to keep it on that bridge, which makes sense — it's a good 'kill spot,'" he told The Huffington Post Canada on Tuesday.



"They pulled it down about three times and the third time was the one when they had it down," he said.

The wolves dined on the elk for about 45 minutes before Parks Canada personnel arrived and removed the carcass.

Martin said the wolves' "intelligence and teamwork was really special to watch."

Here are more photos of the elk being attacked:

 

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