WILDLIFE — Winter weather is tempting moose to wander into towns and neighborhoods to nibble tender landscaping plants.
In most cases, Idaho Fish and Game Department officers recommend giving the moose a day or two to find its way back into the wild. “It found its way into town; it can find a way out,” said officer Mark Rhodes. “That is the favored option.”
Idaho and Washington wildlife agencies would rather avoid responding to moose complaints, partly because it takes a ton of time out of the schedule of already overstretched officers, and partly because it’s dangerous for the people involved and for the moose.
The drugs administered by a tranquilizer gun can be fatal if the moose is especially agitated or its weight misjudged, Rhodes said.
If you encounter a moose, IDFG says you shouldn’t approach it. Keep your distance, and keep dogs away.
Every case is different, but the officers would prefer not getting a call unless the moose has been given time to leave or if it’s posing a significant danger. Rhodes said.
News, field reports and insights on the Great Outdoors.
Rich Landers – hunter, animal lover, hiker, paddler, angler, naturalist and conservationist – has been covering the outdoors beat for more than three decades. His versatility and field research as a trails and waterways guidebook author help him connect issues to a wide range of interests.
Rich Landers Rich Landers writes and photographs stories for a wide range of outdoors coverage, including a Sunday feature section and a Thursday column. He also writes the Outdoors Blog.
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