Copyright Lewiston Morning Tribune
We’re back with another animal interview, this time with a representative from the largest deer species, Melva Moose. A bull moose can be 6 feet tall at the shoulder and weigh 1,600 pounds; a cow can weigh between 800-1,300 pounds, according to Idaho Fish & Game. And they can run up to 35 mph over short distances, according to National Geographic. They’re big, they’re fast and, as fascinating as they are, they’re best observed from a distance. We asked officials at the University of Idaho in Moscow, where moose frequent the UI Arboretum and Botanical Garden, about moose-human interaction. Communications director Jodi Walker shared a message sent to the campus community earlier this semester. “Though not normally aggressive, moose can turn aggressive when harassed by people, dogs and traffic,” campus security director Steve Mills said in the statement. The memo included the following tips for peaceful existence alongside moose: If you see a moose Talk calmly and back away. Give the moose about 50 feet of personal space. If you have a dog with you, leash your dog and keep it back. Never get between a mother (cow) and her calf. Don’t yell, throw things or offer food. Be aware of aggressive behavior such as ears laid back, hair raised on hump (or “hackles”), grunting or stomping feet. Don’t attempt to take a selfie with the moose. And, should that fail: If the moose attacks Get behind a tree, rock, fence or car — anything to separate you from the moose. Moose often fight with their front hooves. If the moose hits you, play dead, curled up with your hands on head and neck. A backpack makes a good shield. “While seeing a moose can be exciting, remember they are wild animals and are unpredictable,” Mills’ message concluded. “It may be tempting to get as close as possible or stop for a photo. However, you should refrain from doing so. Give wild animals plenty of space.” Inland 360: The arboretum seems to be a popular place for moose. How do you rate it as a hangout? Melva Moose: It’s one of the best available hangouts, as you say, on the Palouse. It really has many things I want in my life: lots of greenery to eat, and peace and quiet. And it’s wonderful for what it doesn’t have: There are no cars or trucks or roads (always a grave danger for us ungulates), and no houses. 360: You know what they say: Winter is coming. What are your plans for the coming months? MM: I think I’ve seen a meme about that. College kids ... you know. Anyway, there’s definitely less food around in the winter, especially on the Palouse, which is one of my favorite places to spend time. (Speaking of the Palouse, I’m well aware the word rhymes with the name of my species, but here’s a request to headline writers, social media posters and anyone else who might be tempted to write “There’s a moose on the loose on the Palouse.” Just don’t. It’s been done a million times, and it doesn’t reflect well on you. Be more original.) So I like to be where there are a lot of trees and other woody plants with twigs and delicious bark because that’s what I eat mostly in winter when my usual tasty greenery is gone for the season. It makes for quite a bit of roughage, but I’ve adapted to it, and it makes the arrival of spring all the more welcome. 360: College students are known for having a fondness for pizza. What does a moose on a college campus have a hankering for? MM: I have to tell you, my favorite is the tasty greenery on all the plants. Give me a delicious snack of any kind of leaves, and I’m happy. I also enjoy standing under a willow tree and just chowing down on whatever leafy greens are in reach. The one thing I really crave is a nice swampy pond to walk into so I can graze on some water lilies. Water lilies are my absolute favorite, and I haven’t found any of those in the arboretum yet. But, as the Rolling Stones said, you can’t always get what you want. 360: People get excited when they hear there’s a moose around, often grabbing their cameras and heading your way. How do you feel about the paparazzi? MM: I don’t pay a whole lot of attention to them. Usually my attitude is, I’ll mind my business and you mind yours. I get it. We moose are amazing and majestic animals. Who wouldn’t want to catch a glimpse of someone like me? However, humans would be advised to stay at a safe distance, especially if I happen to have one of my young calves nearby, because I can go into mama moose mode quickly if I think my baby might be in danger. I don’t always trust humans to do the right thing. I have to admit, I can also have unpredictable moods. Sometimes if a human makes one wrong move — or maybe doesn’t move at all — I might just get it in my head to charge suddenly. I can’t explain it. But sometimes it happens, so my best advice to humans is to keep your distance. But I’d appreciate any humans who insist on taking my photo to make sure to get my good side. More moose facts can be found at bit.ly/idfgmoose.
