Moose In Town

By Lauren Lane, Senior Conservation Officer, Upper Snake Region The Upper Snake Region is home to a healthy number of moose, and many residents have been lucky enough to spot one in their travels. It is not uncommon for moose sightings to increase during the winter months. This is largely due to the fact that moose spend their winters at lower elevations and closer to residential areas, where snow depths are lower, and food is more accessible. The Egin-Hamer desert near St. Anthony hosts one of the largest wintering herds of moose in North America. Over 400 moose winter throughout the desert. As a result, a few end up wandering into residential areas throughout St. Anthony, Ashton, Rexburg, and Idaho Falls. When the Idaho Department of Fish of Game receives a call about moose in residential areas, a responding officer or biologist may ask how long the moose has been in the area, where it has been spending most of its time, and other related questions. Often moose that wander into town are gone within a day or two on their own, although a few moose decide to stick around for a little longer. Moose that are spending too much time in residential areas or a dangerous location will likely be monitored and hazed by Fish and Game employees in an attempt to move them towards more suitable habitat. Hazing efforts include using loud noises to scare moose towards a certain direction and nonlethal rubber bullets. Once a moose has decided to stay in a specific area, it is important to begin hazing efforts as soon as possible before the moose feels too comfortable. Landowners and residents should maintain a safe distance from any moose nearby, but are encouraged to make loud noises if possible, and notify the department or a local law enforcement. When hazing is no longer effective, Fish and Game must decide if a moose needs to be physically relocated using tranquilization methods. When a moose is relocated, it is first tranquilized so it can be safely handled throughout the process. After tranquilization, it is placed on a tarp and carried to a trailer where it is assessed for general health, body fat, and then ear tagged. Each moose is given a reversal dose once in the trailer and before it is transported. Moose are released in locations where there is ample food available, and at a reasonable distance from residential areas. This year, Fish and Game has relocated approximately 10 moose from residential areas in the Upper Snake region. Each year these numbers are different depending on snow levels and other factors. We live in an area with numerous wildlife species, and as a result it is not uncommon for wildlife sightings to increase during the winter months. Spring is just around the corner, and sooner than later many of the moose, deer and elk we see this time of year will migrate back to the hills, rivers, and higher elevations where they will remain until next year.