Give A Moose Some Space

Over the past few weeks, a young bull moose has seemingly made itself at home in Saratoga as it has foraged around the community. 

Contrary to the popular children's book-which posits that if you give a moose a muffin it will inevitably want some jam-it is best to give the large animal as much space as possible. According to Teal Cufaude, wildlife biologist with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, it is common for moose to arrive in Saratoga due to its proximity to the Upper North Platte River.

"Moose typically prefer these forest or forest edge habitats. They really prefer these forests with open areas nearby and particularly they really like willow riparians. So, moose could end up in town because it's that perfect juxtaposition of forested areas, open area and it kind of has that willow riparian component," said Cufaude. "River corridors also just offer really good cover for all wildlife to move through. It provides security as well as forage for a lot of critters." 

It's so common for moose to be in or around Saratoga that there are multiple sightings each year and often of different moose. According to Cufaude, she was aware of two mature bull moose which stayed on the outskirts of town, typically seen around the Saratoga Hot Springs Resort and its golf course. As with any wildlife-even urban populations such as the town deer-Cufaude says it is important to give the animals as much space as possible.

"The universal 'do' for any wildlife is to give those wildlife space. The amount of space probably varies on what species we're dealing with but generally give them a lot of space," said Cufaude. "Sometimes, that's hard when you're kicking your dogs out the door into your fenced backyard and those critters are potentially in your fenced backyard. So, that might dictate how you deal with it, but universally you just need to give them space."

According to Cufaude, wildlife are no different than domestic animals when it comes to paying attention to their cues and behaviors when agitated. Raised hackles and lowered ears are two prime examples that an animal is feeling agitated and in need of space. Additionally, said Cufaude, it is important to keep domestic animals under control when outside of your own property.

"With pets, dogs in particular, I definitely recommend you have those animals under control and leashed. Dogs can quickly agitate any wildlife," said Cufaude. "Being able to keep control of those animals is a pretty big deal."

On the chance that a moose may be in your fenced backyard, perhaps snacking on a tree, Cufaude said it is still vital to give the animal as much space as possible. From the relative safety of your stoop or porch, make some noise to "gently haze" the animal from the area. Typically, as long as someone makes their presence known, wildlife will move along.

When moose do find their way into town, the local representatives for Wyoming Game and Fish have taken the approach of addressing each incident on a case-by-case basis.

"It's very specific to each animal that we see in town. I think a lot of people are accustomed to seeing these flashy news releases about Game and Fish moving moose out of Cheyenne or moose out of Laramie. In the last couple of years, we've kind of taken the approach locally that people live in the Platte Valley because of its natural values, including wildlife," said Cufaude. We don't necessarily want to insulate people from that. Of course, that requires our citizens to be very responsible in how they behave around that wildlife."

What it comes down to, said Cufaude, is determining whether the animal or the general public are at risk. Moose, despite being herbivores, can be more dangerous than predatory animals such as bears or mountain lions. During the spring, cow moose are fiercely protective of their calves and, in the fall, bull moose are in the middle of the rut.

"In the last few years we've felt pretty lucky. People have been pretty responsible around wildlife and we feel like we can give wildlife their space to see how they're going to act in town," said Cufaude. "If a deer is just being a deer or a moose is just being a moose ... we evaluate that and see if it's something that we do need to move or if we can let them take their time as they move through town."

According to Cufaude, the Saratoga Police Department and deputies of the Carbon County Sheriff's Office have been helpful with wildlife calls in the area. Due to most people calling 911, it is these two departments which are often the first on the scene.

"They're really great at evaluating the risk of whatever that critter might be and what it's doing and then making a plan with us as to what to do from there," said Cufaude.

So, when it comes to moose, give it plenty of space and definitely don't offer it a muffin. And if a moose is spotted with a flying squirrel, chances are you can expect to see a shady couple with Russian accents shortly thereafter.