Elk sighting at Kivi Park described as 'magical' by skier

A cross-country skier, Nancy Côté-Pharand, encountered a male elk blocking a trail at Kivi Park on Jan. 15 and shared photos that drew many reactions; park staff say three elk sightings have been reported in recent weeks.

A cross-country skier at Kivi Park had a rare encounter with an elk that has drawn local attention. Nancy Côté-Pharand, who has visited the park since it opened about 10 years ago, said the sighting on Jan. 15 felt "magical." Photos from the encounter were shared on the Kivi Park Facebook page and received strong public interest. Park community partnerships co-ordinator Autumn Maki said the incident is one of three elk sightings reported at the park in recent weeks. Known details: - The encounter occurred while Côté-Pharand was cross-country skiing along a 10-kilometre trail near the back of the park on Jan. 15; a male elk with antlers was observed blocking the trail. - After a brief stand-off and some photos, the elk ran about 250 metres along the trail before turning toward Forest Lake. - Photos posted to the park's Facebook page drew hundreds of reactions, and another mid-January elk photo was shared by Lance Collins, who also said it was his first elk sighting at the park. - Park staff describe elk sightings in Kivi Park as uncommon but said the recent reports may reflect the herd extending north into the Long Lake and Kivi Park area. - Provincial background notes that elk were reintroduced in Ontario from 1998 to 2001, with 443 animals released across four locations, and that earlier reintroduction efforts contributed to herds in the Greater Sudbury area by the late 1990s. - Maki reported advice for people who see elk to keep their distance and avoid turning their back on the animal; Parks Canada guidance cited gives elk at least three bus lengths' distance (about 30 metres). Summary: The sightings have sparked local interest and brought attention to wildlife using Kivi Park trails, with several visitors sharing photos and accounts. Undetermined at this time.