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It's been a busy few days for wildlife resource officers in Salt Lake City. They had to chase down several moose that have wandered into the city.
We see it a lot more often in the winter; snow makes it harder for the animals to find food, so they head down to neighborhoods and start eating plants and shrubs.
It's happened three times in the past few weeks. Geoff Doiron said, "I came home from the gym and saw about eight cop cars with flashing lights and a camera man, you, in my driveway."
Doiron was obviously a bit concerned at first, but when he learned that this moose was in his backyard he started laughing. He said, "What a great way to start the morning."
It was about 7 a.m. when the cow moose was spotted on 900 East near 1465 South. Salt Lake police officers responded and kept an eye on it until the crews from the Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) arrived.
White has been through this numerous times. Once he determines the approximate height and weight of the animal, he fills several darts with the proper amount of tranquilizer and takes aim. Within a few minutes, the moose was too sleepy to move.
After a few obligatory photos with the homeowners and the police officers, the moose was then carried to a trailer. It took six people to move her!
Wildlife officers relocate these animals in the mountains, away from populated areas. This one was headed for a spot near Jordanelle Reservoir. Once there, the animal gets another shot to wake her up.
Wild animals are always fun to look at and having one wander into your yard is certainly unusual. White advises us never approach the animals. He says, "Whether it's a moose, deer or cougar in the backyard, or whatever type of wildlife situation you have, keep your distance from the wildlife, keep an eye on it for us and give us a call and let us come out an handle it."
The wildlife folks also say if you see a wild animal in your neighborhood keep an eye on it, so the officers can find it quickly.
The longer they have to search and chase an animal, the more chances that people and the animal can get hurt.
E-mail: kmccord@ksl.com
E-mail: pmchardy@ksl.com
