A woman who captured a video of her unleashed dog near a grizzly bear received a $1,500 fine after pleading guilty at Canmore Court of Justice. Brook Koski was charged for having her dog off-leash in Banff National Park. The video, viewed by millions on TikTok, showed Koski’s husband, Kraig, with bear spray near Grizzly Bear 142, well-known as the daughter of Bear 122, also known as The Boss. Koski tearfully apologized in court for her mistake, acknowledging that they had learned from the incident.
Isaak Hurst, Koski’s lawyer, mentioned that Koski was distressed during the encounter, and it was her first appearance in court. He emphasized their respect for Canadian nature and wildlife and addressed the online criticism directed at his client. Hurst commended Koski’s husband for his calm handling of the situation with the grizzly bear approaching.
Caroline Lirette, the Crown attorney, described the incident as terrifying and stressed the importance of keeping dogs on-leash to prevent negative bear encounters. Lirette highlighted the need for park visitors to follow rules and emphasized the necessity of coexisting with wildlife.
Justice Indra Maharaj emphasized the Canadian values of outdoor access, nature protection, and wildlife conservation. Maharaj acknowledged Koski’s remorse but warned about the unpredictable nature of animals and the importance of safety regulations. Maharaj noted that the leash laws aim to ensure both human and animal safety in outdoor environments.
Parks Canada requires dogs to be leashed at all times in national parks, with exceptions in designated areas. Giuliana Eljuri, a communications officer, advised pet owners to consider leaving dogs at home when engaging in outdoor activities. She also emphasized the significance of individual actions in preserving wildlife and following park regulations to avoid disturbances.
