Close moose encounters spark awareness

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Janine Thibault
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Moose can be viewed grazing and roaming on base with their young, but even though they may look like gentle giants their reactions can be aggressive and violent.

Adults and children alike must remember the potential danger of upsetting a moose. It is vital that people learn to respect and give these animals their space.

"It's important for people to recognize the power of these animals because of the damage they can cause since they are big and fast for their size," said Tony Hollis, a wildlife biologist of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

Recently, there has been an increase in occasions where moose have become aggressive with workers on base.

May to June is the moose calving season and while calves remain with their mothers the whole year, the first few months is when they are most protective.

As a project manager assigned to the 354th Civil Engineer Squadron, Wanda Newton must visit Transmitter Road. In this location Ms. Newton and other contractors have experienced multiple encounters with moose.

"You could be between that moose and her calf and never see her calf but she will be protective and any mother can understand that," said Ms. Newton.

With bear spray as the only protection available to them, the workers have had to rely on their vigilance to keep them aware of the presence of a moose.

According to Mr. Hollis, people should give moose plenty of room. However, when faced with an aggressive moose, the best reaction is not to turn and run. The person should scream, stomp and wave their arms around to make themselves look as large as possible.

According to Ms. Newton, if people came face-to-face with a bristling, stomping and snorting moose, they might be more likely to give the moose a wider berth on a regular basis.

Eielson is surrounded by wooded areas increasing the potential of encountering an aggressive moose. It's important for all Eielson personnel to know what actions and behaviors will help in these situations.

Here are some tips from the Natural Resources office that show how to treat these impressive creatures.

1. Never get between a cow and her calf.
2. Avoid walking toward moose; try to remain at least 50 feet away.
3. Never throw anything, including snowballs, at moose.
4. Always keep dogs under control or leave them at home. Dogs can unnecessarily harass moose and may be seriously injured or killed.
5. Avoid moose that are near fences or houses; they may feel cornered and charge.
6. Try to get behind a tree if a moose charges. A person can run around a tree better than a moose.
7. Remember that moose kick with their front feet.
8. Remember - if a moose lays its ears back or the hair on its hump stands up, the moose is angry or afraid and may charge...back off!

The presence of moose on base is a unique benefit enjoyed by few bases. People can still appreciate these creatures, but an understanding of their capabilities and knowing how to keep safe is important.