Two hikers from Washington state are facing regulatory charges and possible fines of up to $25,000 after their off-leash dog repeatedly ran toward and barked at a grizzly bear in Banff National Park. The incident, which was captured on video and later posted online, drew millions of views and prompted Parks Canada wardens to investigate.
Brook and Kraig Koski were hiking on the Taylor Lake trail, about nine miles southeast of Lake Louise, when they encountered Bear 142, a well-known female grizzly in the park. According to officials, Kraig was jogging ahead of his wife when he first spotted the bear. Brook recorded a roughly 90-second video showing Kraig walking backward while facing the bear and carrying bear spray, as their small dog, Lola, ran freely between them and the bear, barking repeatedly.
In the video, Kraig can be heard yelling, « Back off! You’re too close! » while Brook calls for Lola from behind the camera. At no point did the hikers appear to leash the dog or pick it up, despite having ample opportunity. The encounter ended without any injuries when Bear 142 left the trail and disappeared into the woods.
After the video went viral, Parks Canada wardens identified the couple and filed charges under the Canada National Parks Act. Pets are required to be on a leash no longer than three meters in national parks. If convicted, the Koskis could face fines of up to $25,000.
« Failure to keep your pets leashed in the national parks poses risks to pets and wildlife, » Parks Canada spokesperson James Eastham said in a statement. « Bears and other wildlife may react aggressively toward dogs they view as threats, resulting in their injury or death. » Eastham also noted that off-leash dogs can cause wildlife stress, leading animals to avoid important habitats and food sources.
Nick de Ruyter, program director of WildSmart for the Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley, praised Parks Canada for pursuing charges, saying the video showed repeated opportunities to secure the dog. « The safety of them, their pets and other people is far more important than getting that video, » he said.
Bear 142 is estimated to be about 16 years old and is the daughter of Bear 122, a grizzly known as « The Boss. » She has raised several cubs in the park and lost one earlier this year after it was struck and killed by a train. Grizzly bears are considered a threatened species in Alberta, and encounters with humans can have serious consequences for both people and wildlife.
The case highlights the dangers of off-leash dogs in bear country. Wildlife officials emphasize that keeping dogs leashed is not an arbitrary rule but a critical safety measure that protects pets, wildlife, and other hikers. Instances like this, they warn, can lead to trail closures and restrictions for responsible dog owners who follow the rules.
The hikers are scheduled to appear in court at a later date. Their dog, the bear, and the hikers themselves all emerged from the encounter unharmed, but officials say this was luck rather than good management.
