- Two hikers face up to US$25,000 in fines for a grizzly bear encounter.
- Their off-leash dog drew the attention of Bear 142 on Taylor Lake Trail.
- Parks Canada used the viral TikTok video to identify and charge them.
- National park regulations require leashes no longer than 3 metres.
- Loose pets can trigger aggressive bear behaviour and lead to bears being destroyed.
Two hikers face a potential fine of up to US$25,000 under the Canada National Parks Act after posting a TikTok video showing a close encounter with a grizzly bear on the Taylor Lake Trail in Banff National Park. The couple’s small dog was off-leash during the 19 July 2026 incident, directly drawing the attention of a well-known grizzly named Bear 142. Parks Canada wardens used the viral video to identify the hikers and charged them for failing to leash their pet.
National park regulations mandate that all pets must stay securely on a leash no longer than 3 metres at all times. Parks Canada stated that loose domestic animals can trigger highly aggressive defensive behaviour from grizzlies, putting pet owners, future trail users, and the bears themselves at extreme risk. When bears habituate to chasing or fighting dogs near humans, wildlife officials are frequently forced to destroy the bear.
The maximum penalty applies because the couple’s dog was off-leash during the encounter. The TikTok video shows the grizzly following the hikers closely while they repeatedly try to recall their dog, “Lola”. Parks Canada noted that failure to keep pets leashed in national parks poses risks to pets and wildlife.
