Keep proper distance
Use a telephoto lens or binoculars. Never move closer for a selfie, never surround wildlife, and never put children near animals for photos.
Animals you may see in Jasper, how to stay safe, how to photograph wildlife responsibly, and where to report safety concerns.
Jasper is home to bears, elk, moose, deer, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, wolves, coyotes, cougars, birds, and many smaller animals. Seeing wildlife is exciting, but animals need space and visitors are responsible for safe behaviour.
Use a telephoto lens or binoculars. Never move closer for a selfie, never surround wildlife, and never put children near animals for photos.
Feeding or baiting animals is dangerous and can cause animals to lose their natural fear of people.
If watching from the road, stay in your vehicle when possible, pull fully off only where safe/legal, and leave room for traffic and emergency vehicles.
Each guide includes basic behaviour, diet, where animals are commonly seen, safety notes, and photo tips.
Spring and early summer in valley bottoms; any season in bear country
Learn about Black Bears & Grizzly BearsCommon around town and open valleys; extra caution in May–June calving and Aug–Sept rut
Learn about ElkRocky slopes, roadside mineral licks, and open mountain terrain
Learn about Bighorn SheepTown edges, forests, meadows, and roadsides
Learn about Mule Deer & White-tailed DeerValleys, forests, roadsides, and open areas, often seen at a distance
Learn about Wolves & CoyotesReal-time pins can create crowds, traffic hazards and pressure on animals. Jasper Journeys intentionally does not collect or display public wildlife sightings.
Report aggressive, injured or dead wildlife, unsafe crowding, feeding or other serious human-wildlife conflicts through Parks Canada’s current Jasper contact guidance. Call 911 for an immediate emergency.
Use official sources for current rules and safety information.
Learn where wildlife may be present, how to keep distance, and why broad zones are safer than exact real-time pins.