Aggressive moose injures 2 in Edmonton’s Forest Heights

An aggressive moose – quite possibly a mother with her calf – injured two people in separate incidents in Edmonton’s Forest Heights neighbourhood.

One of the injured needed to attend a hospital “for some medical attention,” and has since been released, a spokesperson for Alberta’s Public Safety and Emergency Services tells CityNews. The other person did not sustain any serious injuries.

“It’s our understanding both individuals are OK,” director of communications Sheena S. Campbell said.

Alberta Fish and Wildlife officers, Edmonton Park Rangers and the EPS have been searching for the animals since Monday. Their presence prompted trail closures in the river valley between the golf course and Wayne Gretzky Drive.

“We did enact closure of that area, and it’ll remain in effect until we can either remove the moose or relocate them from the area, or they move off or aren’t a concern any longer,” Mitch Visser, an inspector for the Edmonton unit of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services, told CityNews.

Campbell says the efforts are being carried out “with care and expertise to ensure the well-being of both the animals and the public.”

Visser explains that moose are normally not aggressive, but a cow moose with a calf can be — especially if they feel threatened.

“Moose, like all wild animals, are unpredictable,” he said. “And moose can be aggressive during certain times of the year, and a cow moose with a young calf, it’s not uncommon for them to be aggressive or to protect their offspring. In these cases, and based on the information we have, that’s kind of what we assumed to have happened. This cow has been acting aggressively, probably protecting its calf in the area.”

Warning signs of an agitated moose include hair raised on their neck, ears pinned back, snorting and lip-licking, according to Fish and Wildlife.

If charged, they recommend you seek shelter behind a tree, car or building. If knocked down, they say it’s best to curl into a ball and protect your head.

“So if you see a moose, back away,” Visser said. “Get out of that area immediately. Don’t try scare the moose away. Don’t let your dog chase it. Moose can be triggered by dogs. They might consider it a natural predator like a wolf or a bear. There’s lots of times they’re going to chase a dog. If your dog’s scared, he’s probably running right back to you, bringing that moose towards you. So you want to just leave the area immediately.”

Moose sightings can be reported to Fish and Wildfire at 310-0000 (during business hours) or to Report a Poacher at 1-800-642-3800 (after hours).

“Moose and wildlife live inside the city year round,” Visser explained. “Just because it’s reported doesn’t mean we’re necessarily going to patrol. But if there’s some concerning behavior, or it’s in a spot where it could cause problems, we’re likely to go and patrol and inspect it, and just inspect the area, inspect the animal, make sure everything’s safe for the public and safe for the animals as well.

“There’s lots of green space in the city of Edmonton. It’s beautiful that way, with the North Saskatchewan River running through it, and there’s lots of green strips, parks. So animals, wildlife, moose are naturally going to be there and come into the city. Just use caution. If you do see a moose, be aware.”

–With files from Carly Robinson