RUSSIA – National park tourists attempting to feed wild animals is not just an issue in the Untied States. No wild animals should ever be fed by humans, as they can become reliant and expectant of human offered food. This goes for ducks, geese, raccoons, sea gulls, squirrels, chipmunks, deer, and of course moose (and literally any other wild animal).
These tourists in Russia’s Zyuratkul National Park learned the hard way what can happen if you attempt to feed a moose. These animals aren’t normally agressive but they can do a ton of damage if they become such. Plus they can be pretty easily startled and won’t necessarily give any hints prior to attacking.
Even if a moose seems time while you’re feeding it, you could be increasing the chance of a dangerous situation in the future. If a moose expects food from people, which does happen if fed, the next person that doesn’t have food to offer the animal could get attacked. In the United States, moose that have a history of unprovoked attack are often euthanized. So while it might be a cool moment for you, it could lead to a very uncool moment for someone in the future, and lead to the animal’s death.
Alaska Department of Fish & Game on Feeding Moose:
Is it okay to feed moose?
No. It is illegal and dangerous. Moose that are fed by humans often become conditioned and will act aggressively when they are not fed as expected. A moose with a history of being fed may approach an unsuspecting person in hopes of receiving a hand-out. It may attack if it sees that the person has no food to offer. Don’t feed moose and ask your neighbors not to feed them. If your neighborhood moose is fed by humans, chances it will charge people, including children, increase. A moose with a history of unprovoked attacks will likely be shot by enforcement officers to protect public safety. Therefore, by feeding a moose, people are more likely contributing to its death rather than its benefit.
How do you know when a moose might attack?
The long hairs on its hump are raised, ears laid back (much like a dog or cat), and it may lick its lips (if you can see this, you are way too close). A moose that sees you and walks slowly towards you is not trying to be your friend; it may be looking for a hand-out or warning you to keep away. All of these are dangerous situations and you should back away. Look for the nearest tree, fence, building, car, or other obstruction to duck behind.
What if a moose is obstructing my way?
Is there another way around the moose? If not, be patient. The moose will move away in time. It may take half an hour or more, but it is usually worth waiting. Sometimes a loud noise or movement will startle a moose into moving, but moose that are used to people are not easily chased away. If you have to get by, try to keep a large tree, snow berm, vehicle, building, or fence between you and the moose. Don’t approach a moose if its only escape route is in your direction, and always leave yourself one or more escape routes. As a last resort, pepper spray will often move them, or at least provide some protection if they charge. Frequently, unsuspecting dogs are let out in their backyards when lighting is poor resulting in a surprised moose and a surprised dog. Turn outside lights on and scan your yard before blindly releasing your four-legged friend into the darkness.