DAVIS COUNTY—The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources wants people to be aware of the dangers posed by a perhaps, unexpected animal in Utah’s ecology. While many Utah residents know to avoid animals like bears, rattlesnakes, or cougars, one of the most dangerous animals they should watch out for…is moose.

“In my years of working with wildlife, I have dealt with bears, rattlesnakes, cougars and moose, and the only species that I’ve had turn and come back at me was a moose,” DWR Wildlife Section Chief Covy Jones said. “People often underestimate how aggressive they can be.”

According to the DWR, adult moose in Utah can weigh between 600 to 1,000 pounds, with bulls standing 6 feet tall at the shoulder. Utah is also home to 2,500-3,000 of these immense creatures, and with warmer temperatures, the possibility of encountering one rises exponentially.

Their natural habitat is in the foothills, which is not only a common area for camping and recreation but also puts them much closer to urban environments. The DWR has cautioned residents from trying to herd, or corral these animals themselves, as these actions can be interpreted as aggression.

So, what is the safest thing to do when encountering one of these huge animals? The DWR has given a comprehensive list designed to keep recreators and residents safe in these encounters:

• Always give the moose a lot of space and watch its behavior. 
• Never try to approach or feed a moose. Keep dogs leashed and under control at all times. It is against Utah law to allow dogs to chase or harass protected hoofed wildlife, like moose. 
• Stay calm and do not run away. Talk, make your presence known, and slowly back away in the direction you came. 
• If a moose charges you or chases you, hide behind something solid (like a tree) or try to get inside a vehicle or building.  
• If a moose knocks you down, curl into a ball, protect your head, and lie still until the moose retreats. 

“Like with most wildlife, if you give moose plenty of space and don’t try to get too close, it will help keep you and them safe,” Jones said. “Our biologists relocate numerous moose in urban areas every year, and we really want people to admire these amazing animals from a distance and stay safe.” 

Above all, if the moose is found in a neighborhood or residential area, the best thing to do is to contact the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources so that they can safely relocate the animal without harming residents, property, or the animal itself. For more information about moose and other Utah wildlife, residents should visit www.wildawareutah.org/wildlife.