Just another show about cops and ruminants

Thu., July 10, 2008

By Jody Lawrence-Turner jodyl@spokesman.com (509) 459-5593

Spokane is recognized for many things: lilacs, downtown waterfalls, the world’s largest outdoor 3-on-3 basketball tournament.

Soon, it’ll be able to add moose pursuits to that list.

The Animal Planet channel was in town Wednesday interviewing two law enforcement officers about their pursuit of a moose back in February 1997.

Moose pursuits, as well as bear, turkey and elk chases, are not uncommon for the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, said Sgt. Dave Reagan. Deputies encounter about a dozen moose each year.

“The unfortunate thing is when people come in contact with the animals, the animals get excited,” Reagan said.

“They’re just doing what animals do, looking for food and shelter.”

Animal Planet contacted Reagan about three weeks ago.

“They said they had a very interesting video clip of a moose pursuit they thought could be used on their network,” he said.

Producers traced the clip to Spokane law enforcement, said Animal Planet’s Scott McConnell.

The 30-second video shows a moose in a residential area stepping over fences as police try to corral it. When a tranquilizer dart finally takes effect, the moose collapses on the hood of a car.

Two of the four officers shown in the video clip have retired, but Spokane police Officer Sue Mann and sheriff’s Deputy Ron Mulvey will be featured on the show “Untamed and Uncut,” described by Animal Planet as “the most incredible animal encounters caught on tape.”

A date hasn’t been set for the segment to air, McConnell said.

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