Heads up if you’re planning on skiing Deer Valley as the Park City Police Department has been keeping their eye on several moose that have been hanging out near the base of the ski resort and have issued a warning about them:
“Watch for moose! Our officers have been monitoring several moose on Deer Valley Drive near the base of the resort. They don’t appear to fear people or cars, so if you encounter them on the road, stay in your vehicle and drive slowly as you pass by. Watch the video taken from a police car dash camera.” -Park City Police Department
Remember folks, they may appear like benevolent lumbering forest creatures but the largest member of the deer family (1,200 pounds and six feet at the shoulder) can be aggressive and violent especially when accompanied by calves and or in the presence of dogs. Stay well clear if you run into any at Deer Valley. You have been warned.
Officials recommend taking the following precautions during a moose encounter:
- Give the moose space and watch its behavior closely.
- Do not approach or feed a moose.
- Keep dogs on a leash. It is illegal in Utah to allow dogs to chase or harass moose and other protected wildlife in the state of Utah.
- Stay calm, do not run away, but make your presence known, and back up slowly in the direction you came.