Friday, September 20, 2013

Moose expected to hit the road

Cow and 2 calves have been feasting in Hailey

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By GREG MOORE
Express Staff Writer

A cow moose and her two calves sit in a residential yard on Second Avenue in northern Hailey Tuesday morning. Photo courtesy of Joan Davies

     The Idaho Department of Fish and Game expects a cow moose and her two calves that have been wandering through old Hailey for about a week to leave on their own.

     Wildlife Biologist Regan Berkley said she doesn’t know where the moose came from.

     “Several times a year we get moose wandering through Hailey, fires or no fires,” she said.

     Berkley said the town is surrounded by moose habitat and provides an enticing spread of foods as winter approaches.

     “Generally, the moose that end up in Hailey, under the cover of darkness make their way back to the river,” she said.

     Berkley said the department would try to capture the moose and transport them only if they get into a situation potentially dangerous to people. She said a capture would require tranquilizing the cow with a dart and perhaps doing the same to the calves. She said that process poses risks to the animals.

     Berkley said this mother moose has been docile but could change her demeanor if she feels her calves are threatened. She asked that people try to stay at least 50 yards away from them.

     “A lot of people really like to look at them, and I don’t blame them, but I do worry about people getting too close,” she said.

     Berkley also asked that people follow the directives of any Fish and Game officer trying to maneuver the animals.

     Hailey Assistant Police Chief Dave Stellers also urged people to be cautious around the moose.

     “It worries me when the kids are going to school,” he said.

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