Vamoose if you see a moose

Who in their right mind would step out of a perfectly safe vehicle to have a picture taken next to a buffalo in Yellowstone National Park?

That's pretty stupid, but it doesn't stop thousands of people from attempting to do that every year.

Now, imagine this. There is a report of a moose running down Boyer.

What does a person do? Do you avoid that area, or do you immediately try to chase the moose in your car, on your bike or on foot?

That's exactly what happened a few weeks back. People actually decided to chase a moose in Sandpoint … on foot, by bike and by vehicle.

It appears the moose safely escaped out of town but we are all extremely lucky the headline in the Bee the next day didn't read: "Dim-witted residents stomped to death by exhausted moose."

It is that time of year again. Man versus nature. It's an interface we all should enjoy from a distance.

Sandpoint Police Chief Mark Lockwood and Kathy Hughes, municipal enforcement officer for SPD, were both shaking their heads when they relayed the above story.

Moose can kill. Nature can hurt you.

If you see a moose, bear or any other creature that is in a residential area, give the authorities a call at 263-3188 or 265-5525 and stay clear.

It is also a good idea to confine your dogs and keep children inside if you see a moose or bear in your yard.

One last thought, draw your curtains on large glass doors and windows so a large animal won't mistake them for an escape route. That's happened.

So, remember: If you see a moose, vamoose. Or, if you see a bear, beware.

David Keyes is publisher of the Bee and has been chased by a moose.