Camper shoots aggressive moose

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An aggressive bull moose was shot and killed by a camper Tuesday after it charged at the Harrison Lake backcountry camping area north of Sandpoint.

Idaho Department of Fish and Game officials said the moose tore apart a campsite and charged at the camper and his dog. It continued to do so after the camper hid behind a tree, and the camper shot the moose at close range in self-defense, the officials said in a press release.

Fish and Game responded to the incident, according to the release, and located the dead moose. Forest Service officials closed the Harrison Lake trailhead to hikers in order to prevent possible conflict with hikers and bears that may feed on the carcass.

Campers and hikers are encouraged to carry bear spray when hiking or backcountry camping, IDFG officials said in the release Thursday. Bear spray is not just for bears, but can be used as an effective tool against other mammals when unsafe wildlife encounters occur, they added.

Recreators should be prepared to use bear spray, and be sure to give moose a wide berth when encountered.

The public is also reminded to never allow dogs to chase moose, which may see the dog as a threat. The safest course of action is to keep dogs on leashes, according to the release.

Hikers should also make sure to make noise to not surprise moose or other wildlife, and should not hike or trail run with headphones or earbuds, as most wildlife will make some kind of warning sound prior to attack or aggression, officials said in the release.

In moose, signs or agitation or stress include laying their ears back and raised neck hair. If these things happen, the moose is stressed and may charge. Anyone who encounters a moose exhibiting these behaviors should put something between themselves and the moose, such as a car or tree, as the moose may charge.

Moose are also more likely to charge when a person is between a cow and a calf moose, during the mating rut for male moose, and in late winter when food is scarce and moose are more stressed.

For more information on the trail reopening, hikers can contact the Sandpoint Ranger District office at 208-263-5111.