A 1,000-pound moose that fell into the concrete bowl of a skate park in Red Lodge, Montana, had to be tranquilized and lifted out by wildlife crews last week. I read the report on The Cool Down, which confirmed that the moose became trapped in the skate park’s deep concrete basin and could not climb out on its own.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks responded to the scene and sedated the animal before using equipment to hoist it from the bowl. The moose was not injured and was released into a nearby wooded area. Incidents like this are unusual, but moose in Montana have been wandering into towns more frequently during fall and early winter as they search for food before the snow sets in.
Homeowners in Montana and other northern states should know that a moose in a yard or unusual structure is a dangerous situation. Moose are large and unpredictable, especially when stressed. Do not approach or try to corner the animal. Instead, keep a safe distance and call local wildlife authorities.
I looked up the risks of large wildlife encounters on our site, and the guide Are Raccoons Dangerous to Humans? Safety Guide explains that while raccoons are smaller, the same principle applies: cornered wild animals can cause serious injuries. For those dealing with smaller wildlife, the page 5 Steps to Safely Remove a Snake From Your Garden Shed offers a calm method for guiding out an unwanted visitor without direct contact.
The primary source for this story is The Cool Down.
