The shooting of an injured moose calf at Three Mile Bend on Monday morning occurred in a secluded area where there was no threat to the public, says a city official.
Alberta Fish and Wildlife shot and killed the calf near the river in the popular dog-walking park at about 11 a.m. after responding to public concerns about the injured animal.
“I’m sure had they felt there was any kind of human risk whatsoever, they would have requested the park be closed first,” said Trevor Poth, the city’s parks superintendent, on Tuesday.
“But because of their location and how they cordoned off the area, I think they were very confident with the safety of park users.”
Glenn Chantal, Alberta Fish and Wildlife officer in Ponoka who responded to help to remove the animal, said wildlife officers are trained to do their work in cities, towns and residential areas, so dealing with animals in a city park is not a issue for officers.
“We don’t have the luxury of picking and choosing.
“The wildlife determines where we’re going to respond to the situation. Safety is always a paramount issue for us. (The section of the park) was a secluded area and it was a safe location to put the animal down,” Chantal said.
After the shooting, the cow moose became agitated and made threats to charge the officers so the city closed the park at the request of Alberta Fish and Wildlife to protect the public.
The cow moose followed officers as they moved the dead calf to a public pathway in order to remove it.
Poth said closing the park gave the moose time to cool off and move along on her own time.
“We want to make every effort to accommodate the wildlife in the park. We thought that was the best course of action at the time.”
Three Mile Bend was re-opened to the public on Tuesday.
Chantal said the calf had been clipped in the shoulder by a vehicle and shooting the animal was the humane thing to do.
Due to the extent of the injury and the exposed shoulder muscle it was believed the calf was unlikely to survive predators and the winter. It also would have put the cow moose in danger of predators.
“It was probably her first calf so she was extremely protective of it,” Chantal said.
The public is reminded that if they see any wildlife, they should leash their pet and walk the other way. If moose or other large wildlife become agitated, the public can take shelter behind a tree or vehicle.
Citizens should be aware of their surroundings when they are out enjoying city parks and trails.
Poth said this is the season that moose move down into the river valley looking for fall food supplies, some warmth and a bedding location.
“This is always the season when we see the most wildlife.”
szielinski@www.reddeeradvocate.com