Banff National Park superintendent Sal Rasheed was photographed walking his dog Max off‑leash on the Tunnel Mountain trail, a clear breach of the Canada National Parks Act.

Rasheed told CBC News that the incident was an “isolated, lapse in judgment.” He added that his commitment to Parks Canada’s mandate remains unchanged and that the episode reinforces the need to lead by example.

Jennifer Burnell, Parks Canada’s national communications spokesperson, said the agency was aware of the photo, carried out an internal review and is satisfied the matter was appropriately addressed. No charges have been filed as of Oct. 8, although Parks Canada can issue fines of up to $25,000 for leash violations.

A peer‑reviewed study found that off‑leash dogs are six times more likely than leashed dogs to result in bear‑human conflicts, highlighting a real safety risk for both people and wildlife.

The incident comes after an internal report, produced following a 2023 grizzly bear attack in Red Deer Valley that killed two hikers and a dog, recommended stricter dog restrictions in Banff National Park.

Parks Canada stresses that compliance with leash regulations is essential. The agency uses education, awareness campaigns and, when needed, enforcement actions to reduce risky encounters between dogs, bears and park visitors.