Posted on 03/21/2007 7:59:15 PM PDT by NormsRevenge
ANCHORAGE, United States (AFP) - Here are six tips from "moose whisperer" Rick Sinnott, the management biologist for the Alaska department of fish and game, in case you should stumble upon a moose.
What do you do if you spot a moose: "Usually if the moose is standing on the trail you want to wait for it to get out of the way. Moose get the right of way. You can try clapping at it to make it move. Sometimes you can do that but you have to use that with some discretion if they're acting agitated."
What's a safe distance from a moose: "20 feet is not safe, but usually you can do it. 100 feet is safe, or a couple house lengths."
How to tell when a moose is getting ready to charge: "They'll put their ears back, raise the hackles on the back of their neck and lick their lips."
What to do if a moose charges you: "Jump out of the way or get behind a tree. It will run at you and if you turn and run away it'll usually stop and look at you, but if you stand your ground they'll rush at you."
What not to do: "Throw rocks or snowballs at them or get between a mother and her calf."
Why: "You really don't want to stress a moose out. They're much bigger than you."
A moose nibbles on branches in the brush off the highway heading towards Anchorage, Alaska 02 March 2007. There are few things that will calm an 1,100-pound moose when it gets its antlers caught in a children's swing and starts dragging it through the streets of Anchorage, but "moose whisperer" Rick Sinnott, who is Wildlife Biologist for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, isn't fond of tranquilizers.(AFP/File/Jim Watson)
Do not say the words,, Global Warming.
I sacrifice my sister to da moose and make tracks.
A moose once bit my sister.
"They'll put their ears back, raise the hackles on the back of their neck and lick their lips."
I had a date like that, once.....
hackles? hmmmm,, I 'll have to pay closer attention.
I married her.
Useful information ping.
By the time you spot the hackles, well, it's just too late.
The best solution to the problem: 45/70...
When I lived in Alaska I always carried a Ruger .22 pistol for moose and bear protection.
My plan was to shoot whoever I was hiking with in the thigh and then run like hell!
Clapping? I didn't think bulls liked clapping. Especially if they are rutting.
But hey, I'm not the specialist.
I do think bulls like cheese, though.
Like that joke..."I only have to run a little faster than you"
If you don't believe me goggle "Moose Turds!"
The chest shot was taken last fall from my bike as I was peddling by as fast as possible. I was kinda scared, but not too bad. It didn't really know I was coming till the last second.
The snow shots are from a few nites ago. The ski tracks just to the left of it in the first foto are mine. We weren't that close when we crossed paths, but this one was a bit scary because this one was really pissed. And walking head on at time of encounter. I wish I had a recording of all the schmack I was talking while it went by. Plus video of its ears and hair going up and down as it couldn't decide whether to be peeved or just mosey along would have been cool too.
Anyway, I guess I must be on my way to being a sourdough because in 10 years here I've now had several close encounters on damn near all forms of conveyence.... feet, skis, bikes, cars, etc.
I'm not so sure.
Offer it cheese.
Cheese is the key to dealing with moose
Mynd you, møøse bites kan be pretty nastï!
Ain't they loverly? My wife got them and a matching necklace! He gift to me was equally devine!
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