Stay on Track and Hold Your Head Up High

The Moose is the largest member of the deer family.  The Canadian Moose is a species of large deer that is native to Canada and Alaska.  The adult bull (male) moose reaches up to six feet at the shoulder and weighs over 1,000 pounds.  The cows (females) are smaller.  This species has long legs, a broad, flat antler rack and a distinctive hump on their shoulder.  Moose have large heads and a flap of skin called a bell that hangs beneath their chin.

Moose are herbivores and feed mainly on leaves, twigs, and the bark of deciduous trees.  They also consume aquatic plants during the summer months to keep their bodies cool.

Moose are solitary animals and are not social like other species of deer.  During the mating season, bull moose can become extremely aggressive. Normally they are not aggressive, but they can become so when they are harassed by people, dogs, and traffic, or when they are hungry and tired.  In the winter they must walk through deep snow and sometimes people throw snowballs at moose or get too close for safety.  Moose aren’t usually afraid of humans, so they won’t run away just because you are there.

Moose like to hang out on ridge tops during the day.  It is a good place to nap and they can watch what is going on below and use their huge noses to scan the breeze.  Moose can also keep a keen eye on open areas like the edge of a meadow, muskeg, fields or logged areas.

If you encounter a moose on the highway, stop your car and turn on your hazard lights, blink your headlights, and honk your horn to warn other drivers. Do not swerve to avoid the moose.  Moose are unpredictable and may move right into your new path. Slow down and avoid eye contact. Stay in your vehicle and do not approach them. Move cautiously and if a moose is blocking the road, wait until it moves away before proceeding. Report the sighting to local authorities to prevent other drivers from encountering the animal. By following these guidelines, you can safely and responsibly interact with moose on the highway and protect both the animal and yourself.

Did you see on the news this week that a couple in British Columbia noticed a moose caught in a wire fence while they were driving along the highway? They stopped to free the moose. Catching the action on video by using her cell phone, we were able to watch as the man easily freed one of the moose’s legs. The wires of the fence were quite tightly twisted around the rest of the moose’s body.  Determined to help, the man worked to free this magnificent animal.  The final clip showed the animal walking away and it disappeared into the woods.

Here is the video of the news clip.  https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/2166065219933