A woman who captured a widely shared video of her dog off-leash near a grizzly bear received a $1,500 fine after admitting guilt in Canmore Court of Justice on Wednesday. Brook Koski faced charges related to having her dog off-leash on a trail within Banff National Park.
The video, lasting about 90 seconds, showcased the encounter and garnered millions of views on TikTok. It featured Koski’s husband, Kraig, equipped with bear spray, standing close to Grizzly Bear 142, a renowned female bear, instructing the bear to back off and leave. Meanwhile, an off-leash dog moved between Kraig and Brook, who was filming, as the grizzly bear strolled along the trail and eventually into the woods. The bear, identified as the offspring of Bear 122, also known as The Boss, displayed no signs of aggression.
During the court session, Brook Koski expressed tearful regret for her lapse in judgment, acknowledging the lesson learned from the incident. Her lawyer, Isaak Hurst, explained that Koski was distressed during the event, her first encounter with legal proceedings. He emphasized their respect for Canadian wildlife and the intense online criticism directed at his client.
Hurst highlighted that the dog did not attack the grizzly, Koski’s husband remained composed, and the encounter served as a model for handling a grizzly bear approaching individuals. Crown attorney Caroline Lirette described the incident as terrifying and emphasized the importance of leashing dogs to prevent potentially negative encounters with bears.
Justice Indra Maharaj stressed the significance of co-existing with wildlife and nature, commending Koski for her sincere remorse. She cautioned that animals, including the grizzly bear, can react unpredictably to ensure their survival. Maharaj noted the potential risks if the grizzly had cubs and underscored the importance of abiding by leash laws to ensure safety for both hikers and animals.
Parks Canada mandates that dogs must be leashed at all times within national parks, with exceptions in specific areas. Giuliana Eljuri, a Banff field unit communications officer, advised considering leaving dogs at home when engaging in outdoor activities and checking for trail restrictions before visiting national parks. She emphasized the legal implications of disturbing wildlife, including letting off-leash dogs chase animals, within national park boundaries.
