Feeding moose is never a good idea. Leaving food out for a moose is never a good idea. No matter how calm and friendly the moose may seem, it’s never a good idea to approach it, it’s never a good idea to pet it, and it’s never a good idea to give it food. So be cautious and avoid considering a moose hug.
Fed moose often become conditioned and expect food from every person they see. They might approach an unsuspecting tourist expecting food and, when no food is presented, they may become quite aggressive. So even if a moose seems calm in the moment, feeding it strongly increases the chance of a violent incident later on. These people, for example, have mistaken a calm moose for a moose they’re able to feed or even offer a moose hug. There is no such thing as a moose that you can feed, pet, or hug.
Moose are easily startled. A loud noise or quick movement could spook the animal, causing it to charge or attack. They’re nothing to be trifled with, either. Even a moose calf can do some serious damage, weighing 300-400 pounds by their first winter. Adult females can weigh anywhere from 800-1,300 pounds, kicking forward with their hooves if charging. Considering a moose hug under these circumstances could lead to a dangerous situation if these people did anything to startle the animal. Things could have gotten very bad very fast.
Alaska Department of Fish & Game on Feeding Moose:
Is it okay to feed a 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. So, avoid the temptation of a moose hug for the safety of both you and the moose.
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. And certainly, don’t think about a moose hug in such a scenario.