According to recent posts on local social media there have been several moose sightings around Cochrane.
The last official moose sighting was Nov. 6 with two sightings in the Sunterra area.
Alberta Fish and Wildlife Public Affairs officer Brendan Cox said it was likely the moose were there because of the nearby stream.
“They must have been passing through because the sighting was reported, and by the time the officers got there, the moose were gone,” Cox said.
Typically, moose can be aggressive in the fall because of mating season, but officers said the mating season should be coming to an end with winter approaching. Cox still warns people to not approach the animal.
“We discourage anyone to approach any wildlife animal, especially one as big as moose,” Cox said.
Even if out of mating season, officials say to stay away from wildlife animals because their behaviours are hard to predict.
“We encourage everyone to stay away from wildlife,” Cox said.
If any individual is to come across a moose while out, tips from wildlife officials are to:
– Try making yourself look larger
– Speak in an authoritative tone
– Back away slowly
– Put obstacles in between yourself and the animal
– Get to a more populated or safe area
– Call Alberta Fish and Wildlife at 1-800-642-3800
