Having access to a variety of wildlife is one of the bonuses being so close to so many state parks and a national monument. Dinosaur National Monument recently posted beautiful pictures online of a moose and her calf visiting Rainbow Park. If you happen to run across a moose in your outdoor adventures here are some tips on being safe. First, always give the animal plenty of space; the Alaska Department of Transportation recommends at least 50 feet. Maintain an awareness so that you never get between a moose and her calf. Moose are temperamental and will charge for a variety of reasons including stress, being cornered, being harassed, dogs bothering it, mating season and calving season. If you notice ears pinned back, or a lowered head these are warning signs that the moose is getting ready to charge. If there is time, climb a tree. If the moose does knock you down curl in a ball covering your face. The moose might kick you and stomp you before it decides you’re not a threat. Whatever happens do not get up until the moose completely moves away. If it stops and is still close it might interpret your movement as a renewed threat.
