Moose on the loose in the Columbia Basin this month
This moose was rescued from the East Low Canal in July. The moose is pleased to be out of the canal and, after resting, will be leaving the area. The unidentified rescuers are thrilled to have helped the moose from certain death. However all must remember, moose are dangerous animals.
Never did we imagine we would be writing about what to do in the
case of a moose attack in the Columbia Basin, but now is the time.
Read on. In early July the following e-mail landed in my inbox:
“This is a bit amazing. Thursday (name) saw a moose running in the
hay field across the road from us, that’s right I said a moose. It
soon just disappeared.
Never did we imagine we would be writing about what to do in the case of a moose attack in the Columbia Basin, but now is the time. Read on.
In early July the following e-mail landed in my inbox:
“This is a bit amazing. Thursday (name) saw a moose running in the hay field across the road from us, that’s right I said a moose. It soon just disappeared.
“So we went looking and found it swimming in the East Low Canal. After almost two hours of swimming we were able to rope it and drag it up out of the canal. Last we know it was north of the canal. Here are a few of the moose rescue photos.”
We understand Fish and Wildlife was contacted and indicated they wouldn’t deal with it if it got out of the canal on the north side. However, if it got out on the south side, they would consider putting it down.
Some kind citizens rescued the moose from the canal, but Fish and Wildlife discourage such action, as it is a “dangerous situation.”
From Fish and Wildlife: The moose went into the canal because of people getting too close. The very next day the moose was back, close to where it was the day before. Some people wanted a photo with their children in the frame, but the moose charged. No one was hurt, but moose aren’t tame animals, although they might seem so.
Why are moose in the Columbia Basin with little for them to eat? They are looking for a place to stay, good habitat and there isn’t any. That’s why a yard, with shrubs, looks good to them.
They can’t cool down in this hot weather and can die from heat exhaustion. This is why people pursuing them in cars, on foot or on four wheelers is not good for the moose.
After traveling in the Basin for a few days or weeks, they get beat up from going across barbed wire, trying to climb out of the canal and interacting with other man-made items.
The Fish and Wildlife Ephrata office gets a bunch of calls each year about moose sightings, but they don’t respond unless the animal is getting near people or unless it is about to cross I-90.
An example was a few years ago a moose was in the vicinity of the Ephrata High School and a nearby elementary school. It was near the time when school was to end for the day. Fish and Wildlife couldn’t risk the chance of the moose being around the students and it was put down. The meat was donated to a local food bank.
Well folks, apparently we are in moose territory these days. Or, better put, moose are trying to live in our territory these days. Fish and Wildlife is dealing with three to five moose in the vicinity of Moses Lake at this time. One moose was spotted in a backyard of a home in the Laguna area.
People and moose from Fish and Wildlife
Most people seem to like moose because they’re so different. They don’t spook or shy away from us as readily as deer, appearing more docile or even curious. But something to remember about moose is that anything that big can be potentially dangerous.
Actually moose, like any wild animal, can feel threatened by and fearful of people. Although with their long legs they could outrun us, they are not built for speed like deer and will often choose fight over flight to escape a situation. A charging moose often kicks forward with its front feet, knocking down the threat, then stomping and kicking with all four feet. Antlered bulls can use their racks just as lethally.
If a moose wanders into a suburban or urban neighborhood where it will have trouble wandering out because of traffic and other human congestion, contact Fish and Wildlife’s Ephrata office at 754-4624 or, if after hours, contact the state patrol at 754-3571.
Meanwhile, confine dogs and other pets and keep children inside and quiet. Give the moose ample room to move out of your yard. Don’t block escape routes or allow others to do so. Draw curtains on large glass doors and windows so the animal doesn’t mistake them for an escape route.
Do not approach any moose, even if it seems quiet and gentle. Moose often lay down in the shade of buildings and trees to rest and cool down. If approached repeatedly, even by the best-intentioned onlookers, it may become stressed and aggressive. Enjoy the visitor from a respectable distance. Use binoculars and telephoto camera lenses. Be patient.
In case of attack...
Many moose charges are bluffs or warnings, but you need to take them all seriously. Even a calf, which weighs 300 to 400 pounds by its first winter, can injure you.
A moose that sees you and walks slowly towards you is not trying to be your friend. It is probably warning you to keep away, or looking for a handout if it’s been fed. It may signal an attack by laying its ears back, raising the long hairs on its shoulder hump, stomping the ground, or swinging its head in your direction. If you see it licking its lips you are far too close.
Back off. Look for the nearest tree, fence, building or other obstruction to hide behind. Unlike with cougars, bears or even dogs, it’s usually a good idea to run from a moose because usually it won’t chase you very far. You can run around a tree or other obstacle faster than a moose can.
If a moose knocks you down, it may continue running, or start stomping and kicking. Curl up in a ball, protect your head with your arms and hands, and hold still. Don’t move or try to get up until the moose moves a safe distance away, or it may renew its attack.
Fishing report: A local angler fished Park Lake last week and limited out in 45 minutes. He was trolling with pop gear with a worm at the end of the line. Included in the catch was a 6 and a half pound brown trout.
Raffle permit ticket deadline today
The deer, elk, moose and mountain goat raffle tickets are $5.90 and a bighorn sheep ticket will cost you $11.90, but you are allowed purchase as many as you want.
The proceeds from the sale of the single-species raffle tickets will be used for the management and benefit of the particular species Proceeds from the sale of multiple-species raffle tickets will be used for general game management.
Dennis and his hunting buddies will be buying a few tickets.
Become a Subscriber!
You have read all of your free articles this month. Select a plan below to start your subscription today.
Already a subscriber? Login
