As sure as the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, eventually there will be a horrible encounter on Red Deer’s walking trails between a wild animal and a human — in particular a moose; an unstoppable 700-kg runaway train when instinct triggers its anger.
The heavily-bushed trails harbour a healthy population of wildlife. But these are creatures surviving on instinct; any human intrusion can cause them to act in an aggressive manner — especially the moose.
To this end, the City of Red Deer must educate trail users who have grown complacent to the frequent sightings of what may appear to be harmless wildlife. This complacency is courting disaster.
Posting ‘Danger’ signs should be imperative, especially during the September and October moose rutting season. The city should also close down certain areas during the rut. And further, conduct an assessment of wildlife species in the trail system, their numbers and where they frequent. This would help identify areas of concern. Perhaps installing high fences skirting paths in question is also an alternative.
Park rangers with Glacier National Park warn hikers that a moose during the rut is more dangerous than a grizzly bear. And at a weight of up to 1,700 kg, being nailed by an angry, charging moose is akin to being hit by a car.
Like any wild animal, moose are unpredictable and should be given a respectful amount of space.
Last week, there was a cantankerous cow moose in Three Mile Bend, where citizens are permitted to let their dogs run off-leash. In one report, a walker took refuge in a outdoor washroom when charged by the moose, while his dog high-tailed it to safer confines.
This report came a few days after wildlife officers shot an injured moose calf in the area, while a very agitated mother held its ground and made threatening gestures towards the human intruders.
Wildlife authorities had little choice but to shoot the calf on Oct. 18. It had apparently been injured in a collision with a vehicle. Its chances of survival were doubtful.
The cow was understandably upset watching its calf shot dead while it stood beside her.
Wildlife officers waited at least four hours to let her calm down before retrieving the dead calf. The mother followed them as they moved the carcass out of the area.
The officers emphasized that given the circumstances of the injured calf and the agitated state of the mom, the pair posed a danger to humans on the trail system, which was shut down.
It can’t be determined if the reported incident of a cow moose charging a trail user last week is related to the calf being shot. But one has to wonder.
Studies show moose are not usually aggressive towards humans, unless provoked. But they attack more people than bears and wolves combined.
Especially applicable to the Red Deer trail system is the fact that, when harassed or startled by people, or when in the presence of a dog, moose are more prone to charge.
During the rut, bull moose can be a walking bomb with a fuse cut short by high hormone levels.
As well, cows with young calves are very protective and will attack humans who come too close, especially if they come between the cow and calf.
That’s the reality facing the city. If preventive measures are not put in place, the next logical alternative is a cull: shooting the moose to bring them within manageable numbers.
Rick Zemanek is an Advocate editor.