IFG: Steer clear of the moose

SANDPOINT — The Idaho Department of Fish & Game is reminding people to give moose a wide berth amid reports on social media of people getting too up close and personal with the large ungulates.

The department is seeing an increase in calls regarding moose in residential areas as they roam for food in areas where the snow is melting off.

There was also an alarming post to Facebook in which a woman encouraged her children to pet a baby moose while its mother was laying nearby. The horrified witness further reported that other children joined them.

Nobody was reportedly hurt, although some are worried that it’s just a matter of time before someone is injured.

Fish & Game Conservation Officer Matt Haag figured humans were genetically wired not to antagonize large game animals that are five times bigger than they are.

But here we are.

Haag said people can get lured into thinking moose are docile and not dangerous in the winter months because they are in a “controlled starvation,” which may make them appear quiet and gentle. They switch from lush, nutrient-rich vegetation through the spring and summer months to woody debris in the late fall and winter, filling their digestive system with enough energy to get by while using reserves to stay alive.

“However, they can easily become stressed and agitated, and cause some serious damage to humans. A human that approaches a moose maybe responsible for not only hurting themselves but other unsuspecting people in the area,” said Haag.

An angry or startled moose could take its spleen out on anyone in its path — a child playing in the yard or a mother pushing a baby in a stroller, according to Haag.

“There’s another aspect to consider other than human safety and that’s the health of the moose. Any undue stress this time of year can be literally the difference between life and death for the moose. This is the end of a long run dealing with winter and they are the most vulnerable through March into April to stress-induced death because they have exhausted those fat reserves,” said Haag.

Fish & Game also counsels dog owners to use extreme caution if they encounter a moose while out on a walk. Moose consider dogs, which are close relatives of wolves to be a direct threat. Haag said moose have been known to go out of their way to kick at a dog, even ones on a leash or in a fenced yard.

“If you see a moose where you live, bring dogs inside. If you’re walking with your dog and see a moose, keep your dog quiet and take an alternate route out of the area,” Haag said.

There are no laws specific to harassing wildlife, but if an animal dies from intentional harassment could be charged with the unlawful taking of big game, Haag said.

A person also could be held civilly liable for property or personal damaged caused by a provoked moose.

“Approaching too close or throwing snowballs at it seems like a fun thing — we hear about it every year at Yellowstone. But it can have some grave consequences,” said Haag. “Plus it’s just plain mean!”

Keith Kinnaird can be reached by email at kkinnaird@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow him on Twitter @KeithDailyBee.