Parks Canada says two bison bulls have wandered out of Banff National Park — just a week after the herd became free-roaming animals.
Officials say two male bison left the 1,200-square-kilometre reintroduction zone last week and have been grazing in a remote valley on provincial land northeast of the national park.
The bulls, along with 31 other wild plains bison now in the Banff backcountry, are being monitored both electronically and by staff on the ground.
Officials say they were prepared for the possibility the bison would roam, and are working closely with the province and landowners in the area to guide the animals back to the park.
Bison on provincial land aren’t considered wildlife in Alberta.
Environment Minister Shannon Phillips has said she will protect the Banff herd with a special ministerial order, but it’s not yet in place.