Idaho Fish and Game relocates yearling moose from Rupert

On Thursday, June 18, a yearling moose was relocated after the Magic Valley Region received a report of the moose in a residential yard in Rupert near Interstate 84. 

Idaho Fish and Game wildlife staff safely anesthetized and captured the moose before relocating it to more suitable moose habitat in the southeastern portion of the region.

The Magic Valley Region receives multiple reports each year of moose wandering through the Rupert and Burley areas. These are most often yearling moose that have recently been driven off by their mothers as she prepares to care for a new calf. As yearling moose venture out on their own, their movements can bring them into agricultural areas, communities, and along roadways.

Moose are a common species throughout the region, and while they may appear slow and clumsy, they are surprisingly fast and powerful animals. Moose can become aggressive if they feel threatened, particularly around people and dogs.

Idaho Fish and Game encourages residents and recreationists to keep the following safety tips in mind when living or spending time in moose habitat:

• Make noise if a moose is nearby to avoid surprising it.
• Keep dogs on a leash. Moose can view dogs as a threat, and dogs should never be allowed to chase a moose.
• If you encounter a moose, watch for signs of stress or agitation, such as pinned-back ears, raised neck hair, snorting, grunting, or hoof stomping. If you observe these behaviors, move away and place a barrier between yourself and the moose, such as a vehicle or tree.

Moose may be more likely to charge during certain times, including:

• When a person or dog comes between a cow moose and her calf.
• During the mating season, when bull moose are more aggressive and unpredictable.

For more information, please contact the Magic Valley Regional Office at (208) 324-4359.