Be extra cautious of many hungry, angry moose this spring

  • Published
  • By Herman Griese
  • 673 CES/CEANC
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  Two recent moose encounter incidents on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson serve as warning that stressed moose are more likely to threaten humans and their pets.

The deep snow conditions of this winter are stressful, even deadly for moose.

The deep snow has put them in a nutrition deficit, substantially reducing their energy reserves that directly relates to the level of risk to human safety.

With snow depths exceeding three feet, moose seek relief on highways, streets, bike paths, sidewalks and driveways placing them in direct conflict with humans, seen in two recent incidents.

A Sunflower housing resident failed to heed the warning from a neighbor and strolled too close to a cow and calf while walking her dog.

The charging moose caused the resident to scramble, releasing her dog which was kicked and bruised.

A couple of nights later, Airmen undergoing a shift change at the 90th Fighter Squadron facility found an unyielding moose guarding their vehicles in the parking lot.

The stressed moose charged people and vehicles. The standoff was finally broken up by 673 Civil Engineer Squadron conservation officers using all their available tools in the process.

Long-time JBER conservation officer Mark Sledge warned, "With these conditions and the behavior we've seen from moose recently, I will not be surprised if we hear of a human injury caused by an agitated moose."

Moose are more likely to react negatively during the winter, due to stress brought on by long winters with deep snow.

Anytime of the year cow moose will aggressively defend their calves from perceived threats.

When stressed during winters like this, disturbances or hazing from humans or dogs can cause a moose to fight instead of flee. The following precautions and actions can reduce risks from moose:

Parents should always check the route before sending school children out the door to school or the bus stop.

Keep pets on a leash and under control.

If a moose is near, watch it for signs of becoming irritated - like having its hackles up, ears pulled back or licking its lips.

At the first signs of irritation, back off to a safe location like a house, a vehicle, or a tree; just put distance between you and the moose.

If you're charged, run to a safe location, dodge behind trees, roll under a large sturdy object like a parked vehicle, or up against a wall, fence or snow berm.

Finally, contact the Law Enforcement desk at 552-3421.

If a moose knocks you down, roll into a ball, cover your head and neck with your hands and play dead.

Once the moose is a safe distance away, contact law enforcement.

Moose actually rank above bears in causing human deaths and injuries in Alaska, not from attacks, but due to collisions with vehicles.

Collisions between drivers and moose typically peak during December through March, this year especially.

So far this winter in Anchorage and the Mat-Su area, more than 500 moose have been reported killed on streets and highways according to Alaska Department of Fish and Game biologist Dave Battle.

An unknown number are hit and not killed outright.

An adult can weigh up to 1,000 pounds and striking one while driving at speeds of 65 mph can seriously damage the vehicle.

Because of their long legs, collisions with a car or small truck allow their large body to flip into the windshield and enter the driver amd passenger compartment - head high.
Slow down and stay alert. Moose are dark animals and even if you could see their eyes reflecting in the headlights, they seldom look at vehicles as they cross roads.

Even with snow on the ground, moose are difficult to see in Alaska's long winter nights.
The following steps can reduce your risk of colliding with these large ungulates:

Slow down when visibility is reduced or roads are icy, and keep windshields and headlights clean.

Use your headlight high-beams as often as oncoming traffic allows, and constantly scan roadsides well ahead.

Slow down when a moose is observed near the road, and always expect to see a second or third moose.

The key to being safe from wildlife is to think ahead, remain alert, always expect an interaction and be prepared for the proper response.

For more information about moose and other JBER wildlife, contact the 673 CES Wildlife Biologist at 552-0200.