'Be Bison Wise' during mating season: Parks Canada

Parks Canada recommends visitors to stay at least 100 metres away from bison during mating season.

Parks Canada is advising Elk Island National Park visitors to be careful during bison mating season.

During the rut, the bull bison will snort and move their head back and forth, which Parks Canada says can make for exciting wildlife viewing but possibly lead to dangerous situations.

The bison compete for mates by wallowing, charging and bellowing, and are "more aggressive" and less cautious of their surroundings.

If you are in a vehicle, drive slowly, don’t honk and be patient if bison are on the road, Parks Canada recommended. On foot or bicycle, be aware of your surroundings, watch for wildlife and never ride through a herd.

Parks Canada also recommends not wearing headphones or earbuds while hiking or riding in the park.

Be alert of warning signs and retreat slowly if a bison:

Parks Canada's rule of thumbs is to stay at least 100 metres away of bison.

The mating season lasts until early September.