I applaud the quick action of the people who rescued the calf moose that broke through the ice on Adams Lake (Red Deer Advocate, Tuesday, Feb. 12).
However, I am appalled at the picture of a woman posing face-to-face with the animal. Although well-intentioned, this photo opportunity is inappropriate on several levels.
Firstly, even a rescued and apparently tired moose is a wild, unpredictable and dangerous animal; it is not a grateful pet.
As a longtime hunter, I’ve had the privilege of observing many moose and I can attest to their sometimes-aggressive nature and their astonishing speed and agility. This woman is very fortunate that the moose did not recover enough strength to panic and strike out with its hooves.
Secondly — and this applies to many people in our modern world— we have to wake up to the fact that life is not a Disney movie!
To the calf, this woman is the creature from Alien that its mother taught it to avoid at all costs, yet in this case it has to endure the horror of having this thing pawing at its face.
This is not bonding! This is selfish act that places unnecessary stress on the moose and puts this woman in serious danger.
Don’t try this at home, kids. You might not make it back.
Bill Kossmann
Red Deer