Sandpoint officials: Be careful around moose who visit town

SANDPOINT - Moose may look harmless with their long faces and little eyes, but they're liable to turn grumpy.

With reports of moose in town increasingly common, city officials are cautioning residents to take special care in any interactions with them. That's because statistically speaking, moose are more dangerous than more commonly feared animals like bears.

"It's a perception issue," said Nick Wahl of Idaho Fish and Game. "When people see a moose, the first thing they think of is a big deer."

However, moose definitely require an extra dose of caution compared to their smaller cousins. The animals are massive, anywhere from five to six-and-a-half feet tall and extremely heavy - a bull moose can weigh up to 1,500 pounds. They can also run up to 35 miles an hour over short distances, which can be quite disconcerting if it happens one is charging at you.

"If they charge you or kick you, there's a lot of force behind that, and it doesn't take much to injure a human," Wahl said.

Unlike large forest predators, moose have no instinctual drive to attack humans for any reasons other than self-preservation. That's why it's best to not approach one should it show up in your yard or near a public location. When a moose becomes fearful of its own safety, it can display aggressive tendencies.

Residents should take extra care about female moose that are accompanied by a calf. Generally, calves are born in the spring, but can stick with their mother for one to two years thereafter, according to Wahl.

Bull moose also bring along their share of aggressive moments. These typically show up in their most potent form during the fall, when their hormones are high during mating season. However, Wahl said it's unlikely that residents will see any bull moose in town around that time, as they prefer more wild environments when seeking a mate. Individuals recreating in the forest, on the other hand, should keep their eyes peeled.

If you see a moose on your property, Wahl said the first step is to keep an eye on it to see if it will be leaving. Never try feeding the moose or leaving any snacks for it, as it will take that as an invitation to return next time it needs a meal. In some cases, the moose might stick around for extended periods of time, and that's when it's time to alert the authorities.

Idaho Fish and Game is the office to call in such a situation. Officers have several methods at their disposal when dealing with a stubborn moose. They might shoot it in the flank with a rubber bullet, a non-lethal method that usually convinces the animal it has better places to be. In extreme situations, Idaho Fish and Game personnel can tranquilize the animal, but this is usually a measure of last resort, according to Wahl.

On the plus side, residents are free to keep taking those moose photos if they happen to see one. Just take care to take the proper precautions.

"As long as you're at a safe distance, there's no problem there," Wahl said.