A woman who recorded a viral video of her dog without a leash near a grizzly bear received a $1,500 fine after admitting guilt on Wednesday at Canmore Court of Justice. Brook Koski faced charges related to having her dog unrestrained on a trail in Banff National Park.
The video, approximately 90 seconds long, captured the moment when Koski’s husband, Kraig, stood with bear spray just a few meters away from Grizzly Bear 142, a famous female bear. The footage, which went viral on TikTok, depicted Kraig shouting warnings at the bear while their off-leash dog ran between them. The grizzly bear, known as the daughter of Bear 122, also called The Boss, displayed no signs of aggression as it continued along the trail and into the woods.
During the court session, Brook Koski tearfully apologized for her lapse in judgment, acknowledging the mistake and expressing regret for the incident. Isaak Hurst, Koski’s attorney, mentioned that Koski was distressed during the encounter, emphasizing their respect for Canadian nature and wildlife. Hurst also highlighted the online criticism directed at Koski and the positive handling of the situation by her husband in the presence of the grizzly bear.
Crown attorney Caroline Lirette described the encounter as terrifying and stressed the importance of keeping dogs on a leash to prevent negative bear interactions. Lirette emphasized the responsibility of visitors to adhere to park rules and respect wildlife, emphasizing the need for coexisting with these animals.
Three individuals on the trail on July 19 reported the off-leash dog to Banff park wardens, leading to the discovery of the TikTok video and the couple’s Strava accounts. Koski admitted to having both dogs off-leash during the hike when questioned by the warden.
Justice Indra Maharaj commended Koski for showing genuine remorse but cautioned about the unpredictability of animal behavior, especially in ensuring their survival. Maharaj highlighted the potential risks associated with encounters like this, underlining the significance of following leash laws for both human and animal safety.
Parks Canada enforces leash regulations in national parks, with exceptions in certain areas. Giuliana Eljuri, a communications officer for the Banff field unit, advised visitors to be mindful of trail restrictions and the importance of responsible actions, emphasizing the prohibition of disturbing wildlife, including allowing off-leash dogs to chase animals.
