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Waterton Lakes National Park is conserved as much as possible in its natural wilderness state, thus some hazards to human use do exist. Risk of injury or death can be minimized by taking reasonable precautions.
Please obey all National Park regulations. They are set for your protection and the protection of the Park's environment and wildlife.
STEEP MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN
Most accidents involving natural hazards in Waterton occur when people fall down steep slopes and cliffs. Minimize risk around these areas by staying on designated trails, keeping well back from edges and supervising children closely. Wet or moss-covered surfaces can be slippery. Loose rock on scree slopes and near steep drops is especially dangerous.
WILDLIFE
All Park animals are wild, unpredictable and potentially dangerous. Please read "Keep the Wild in Wildlife", which is also available from all Park offices.
Grizzly and black bear encounters have caused fatal injuries. Deer and sheep may aggressively seek food from people and can cause injury by striking out with their sharp hooves. Other wildlife, especially when they are with their young or when human food or garbage is an attraction, has also attacked people.
DO NOT FEED OR ENTICE ANIMALS TO APPROACH
Wildlife watching and photography are best done from a safe distance and from your car. Do not leave food or garbage where wildlife can get it, for your sake and theirs. Animals that become habituated to human food may have to be destroyed.
INSECTS
You can best avoid insect stings or bites by using repellents and by not wearing scented lotions and perfumes. Insects are also attracted to sweets and raw meat. In spring and early summer, check for ticks on your body and clothing. Tick bites can cause serious illness.
DRINKING WATER
Though Park waters are generally clean, there is always a chance that harmful bacteria or parasites may exist in untreated surface water. Carry water from one of the Park's treated water sources or boil and filter all untreated water.
FIRE HAZARD
For both safety and environmental reasons, the use of containered-fuel stoves is strongly recommended. Controlled campfires are allowed in designated places, but you are asked to keep them small, both to conserve fuel and to avoid unnecessary air pollution. Please check fire hazard and wind conditions.
PETS
Pets must be leashed at all times while in the Park. Dogs and other pets may jeopardize your safety and theirs by provoking and attracting wildlife. Dogs have been seriously injured in the spring by female deer protecting their fawns. Avoid walking your dogs or leaving them unsupervised at this time of year.
WEATHER
Snow and very cold temperatures can occur during any month of the year. Sunburn can be a major problem, particularly at higher elevations. Our very strong winds can seriously chill the body.
NATIONAL PARK REGULATIONS
Please leave rocks, fossils, horns, antlers, wildflowers, nests and other natural and historic objects undisturbed so that others may discover and enjoy them. Removal of such objects is subject to fines and possible imprisonment.
Summary:
- ALL wild animals can be dangerous.
- It is unlawful to feed, entice or touch wildlife in a national park.
- Pets must remain on a leash at all times while in a national park.
- Camping is permitted only in designated areas, as marked by signs. Permits are required for backcountry camping.
- Clean up after all activities and dispose of litter.
- Collection of dead or down wood is unlawful except in some specific wilderness area
situations.
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