Moose are typically not agressive, preferring to avoid people rather than have an actual encounter with them, but harassment by people, dogs, and traffic can cause them to become agressive. Especially in the winter when they’re tired and hungry, or when a mother moose is protective of calves, moose attacks can happen.
In fact, more people in Alaska are injured by moose every year than by bears. In situations where they do attack, they’ll charge, stomp and kick in order to protect their young or themselves. Such was the case when this dog sled team appeared as a threat to this mother moose, leading to a pretty dramatic 20 seconds.
Fortunately nobody was seriously injured through this incident, and the dogs were reportedly all okay, but it is still a very high-energy moment. Unlike bears and dogs, those charged by a moose should run away. Usually the animals won’t chase very far. Getting behind something large and solid, like a tree, can protect you from a moose’s attack. Read more on moose safety below.
Alaska Department of Fish and Game Aggressive Moose Guidelines:
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.
What if a moose charges?
Many charges are “bluff” charges, warning you to stay back and keep your distance. However, you need to take them seriously. Even a calf, which weighs 300 or 400 pounds by its first winter, can cause serious injury. When a moose charges it often kicks forward with its front hooves. Unlike with bears or even dogs, it is usually a good idea to run from a moose because they won’t chase you very far. Get behind something solid; you can run around a tree faster than a moose. If it knocks you down, a moose may continue running or start stomping and kicking with all four feet. Curl up in a ball, protect your head with your hands, and hold still. Don’t move or try to get up until the moose moves a safe distance away or it may renew its attack.