101 CDOS Week 14: Staying Safe Around Urban Wildlife

Published Aug. 26, 2008

EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- Eielson AFB is home to several different types of wildlife but the most common sight on base (besides geese) is the Alaskan moose. Weighing in at almost 1,000 pounds, the average Alaskan moose weighs about five times as much as an average person.

So what should you do when confronted by this large beast? The answer is simple; learn as much as possible about moose and moose safety. Moose are generally not aggressive, but they are wild animals and can be dangerous.

The majority of moose seen on the main part of the base are cows with small calves and while this makes a great photo it is a bad idea to get too close. Cow moose are very protective of their young and will not hesitate to defend them. So a good rule of thumb is to use a camera with a good zoom lens.

Another visitor to the base is the bear. While not as common as the moose they are occasionally seen roaming Eielson. Alaska is home to both the black bear and grizzly bear and it is a good idea to get educated on which one is which.

While seeing a bear can be exciting it is once again a good rule of thumb to use a camera with a good zoom lens to get close. If you do happen to spot a sow bear with cubs give her plenty of space because bears like moose will defend their cubs aggressively.

According to Alaska Fish and Game regulations it is illegal to feed wild animals simply because they lose their natural inhibitions and view humans as a source of /for food. If you are new to Eielson then it is a smart move to get educated on moose safety.

Parents should educate their children on moose safety also since kids are always out playing in the woods. Kids need to know what to do when confronted by a moose since they have the highest probability of coming face to face with one during the summer months.

If you have questions or would like answers about wildlife and wildlife safety you can contact the Natural Resources Office here on Eielson at 377-5182 or contact Alaska Department of Fish and Game on College Road in Fairbanks.