Cow moose shot and killed in confrontation with angler in Bighorn National Forest
SHERIDAN (WNE) — On the morning of June 14, Wyoming Game and Fish Department personnel received a report that a cow moose had been shot in a confrontation with an angler on the North Tongue River in the Bighorn National Forest near Bear Lodge Resort.
When game wardens responded, they found the moose deceased from her injuries.
The game wardens interviewed the angler who said he had encountered the moose at close range in thick willows. He fired multiple shots at the moose when she became agitated and charged him.
The wardens searched the surrounding area and found two young-of-the-year moose calves they believed the cow was defending. Because they could not survive without their mother, the calves were euthanized.
Moose spend significant time in riparian areas – the areas in and around rivers, streams and ponds. Outdoor recreationists should pay particular attention to their surroundings while in these areas, watching and listening for movement.
The following precautions are recommended:
- Make noise and move carefully through areas with low visibility. Be especially watchful during times of low light, as their dark coloring makes moose hard to see.
- Always give moose and other wildlife as much space as possible and an escape route. All wildlife can be unpredictable and become defensive if they feel threatened.
- Doe deer, cow moose and elk may become quickly protective of fawns or calves that are hidden nearby, but not observable to you.
- Choose another route of travel if your path will take you near visible wildlife.
- Dogs should be on a leash or under voice control. Dogs can trigger protective behavior in wild animals.
- Consider carrying bear spray while recreating. It can be an effective, nonlethal deterrent in a conflict situation with moose, bears or other wildlife.
Please report any conflicts with wildlife to the Game and Fish Sheridan Regional Office at 307-672-7418.