Moose, calf stir agency concerns

Recent encounters may mean relocation

The city of Libby and Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) question whether it will adopt a “wildlife friendly” or “wildlife smart” approach to issues concerning some of the wildlife in town.

Locals have expressed concerns for the safety of the moose seen recently walking the streets of Libby. However, on Thursday the concerns shifted to the safety of individuals encountering the cow and calf.

“Yes, there has been a handful of reports made — people said they saw the moose around town,” FWP Biologist, Tonya Chilton-Radandt said. “There weren’t any problems, until yesterday (Thursday).”

Within the city limits, two individuals were charged by the cow in separate incidents and reported to the city police — fortunately no one was injured.

Radandt expressed the importance of understanding aggression in moose.

“In moose biology, the bulls in rut and cows with calves are the most aggressive,” Radandt said.

For many situations involving animals, the FWP and Fish & Game can find ways to relocate animals after they are sedated.

“Moose are the hardest animals to sedate and relocate,” Radandt said. “Sometimes they don’t recover from it well or at all.”

Radandt explained that most ungulate animals, split-hoof animals, do not relocate well. In particular, moose are extremely difficult to sedate. One of the best drug combinations is so powerful, a drop could kill a human.

Most of the FWP employees do not possess the proper training to administer drugs of this magnitude because of the dangers involved.

Among other things, moose are ruminants — meaning their stomachs are divided in to four chambers. When sedated, because of the structure of their stomachs, moose often aspirate and die.

“I wish, I wish, I wish we could all find a way to understand the importance of living with wildlife,” Radandt said. “Most people live in the area or move here to see wildlife.”

Moose birth their calves near river bottoms. The Kootenai River provides an excellent location for moose to birth. Attempting to relocated on moose only delays the inevitable reality for another moose to come and begin doing it within city limits again Radandt said.

“If we cannot be wildlife friendly or wildlife smart, or worse the cow injures someone, she will have to be dispatched (put down),” Radandt said. “The calf will have to be dispatched as well.”

Several cities in Montana — namely Fort Benton, Helena, Missoula and Glendive — have established the Urban Wildlife Plan. These cities are investigating ways to live with the animals, curtail the increase of the wildlife population and consulting with the FWP as an agency.

Just a few suggestions from the FWP:

• Do not feed the wildlife — only encourages them to stay in the city.

• Eliminate lower branches on fruit trees and picking up fallen fruit promptly to deter animals.

• Ornamental plants should be caged or fenced.

• Landscaping with plants deer will not find appealing.

• Keep squirrel and bird feeders up high.

• Stay away from wildlife. They may seem cute, but they are dangerous and wild.

“Libby should consider an Urban Wildlife Plan,” Radandt said. “Living with wildlife in city limits can be done, they do it in Anchorage, Alaska all the time.”

For more information about urban wildlife, persons may call Radandt at 293-4161 extension 209. For public safety issues, persons should call 911 or the game warden Phil Kilbreath at 291-6539.