A woman was fined $1,500 in Canmore Court of Justice after admitting guilt for filming a viral video of her dog off-leash near a grizzly bear. Brook Koski faced charges related to the incident in Banff National Park. The video, which garnered millions of views on TikTok, depicted her husband, Kraig, carrying bear spray near Grizzly Bear 142, while the bear showed no signs of aggression.
During the court hearing, Koski tearfully apologized for her actions, acknowledging her error in judgment. Her lawyer, Isaak Hurst, emphasized that the encounter was distressing for Koski, who expressed regret and a desire to respect Canadian nature and wildlife.
Crown attorney Caroline Lirette highlighted the importance of following park rules to prevent negative wildlife encounters, especially with bears. She emphasized the need for visitors to coexist responsibly with animals in national parks.
Justice Indra Maharaj commended Koski for her remorse but stressed the unpredictable nature of animals and the importance of following leash laws to ensure safety for both humans and wildlife. Maharaj acknowledged the potential risks involved and underscored the significance of abiding by regulations to protect animals unseen by visitors.
Parks Canada requires dogs to be leashed at all times in national parks, with exceptions in designated areas. Giuliana Eljuri, a Banff field unit communications officer, advised visitors to be mindful of their actions, including refraining from feeding or disturbing wildlife and ensuring dogs are leashed to avoid chasing animals.