Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
CENTERVILLE — Moose are magnificent creatures, but they can be surprisingly dangerous.
A recent moose sighting in urban Centerville provided police and wildlife officials with the opportunity to remind the public of how they should behave if one of the large animals pays a visit to their neighborhood.
On Monday, police set up a perimeter in the area of 400 E. Parrish Lane to keep residents and students from nearby Centerville Elementary School safe. While the moose did eventually find its way back into the mountains, Centerville police said it is possible the animal could return.
"If you see a moose in the city, it is very important that you do not approach it," a post on the Centerville Police Department's Facebook page reads. "An adult bull moose can weigh up to 1,500 lbs. and they can run up to 35 mph. They can be very dangerous if you get too close."
Yesterday we had a moose pay us a visit in the area of 400 E Parrish Lane. We provided a safe perimeter to keep people...
Posted by Centerville Police Department on Tuesday, January 12, 2016
Police said anyone who sees a moose should remain in their home or vehicle and call dispatch. The Department of Wildlife Resources should also be notified.
The largest member of the deer family is most active at dawn and dusk, but moose can be found moving around both day and night in northern, central and northeastern Utah, according to the DWR. They tend to stay in the mountains and like wooded areas and lakes.
If anyone sees a moose, they should never approach the animal, according to officials. Dogs should also be kept under control because they can cause moose to become even more aggressive.
Below are additional tips from Wild Aware Utah for those who have an encounter:
- Give the moose a lot of space and watch its behavior.
- Back off if a moose exhibits any signs of aggression, such as the hair standing up on their neck, snout licking or ears back.
- Stay calm. Do not run away. Talk, make your presence known and slowly back off in the direction you came.
- If a moose charges you or chases you, hide behind something solid such as a tree.
- If a moose knocks you down, curl into a ball, protect your head and lie still until the moose retreats.
Related Story
