Two moose that have been living on the University of Idaho campus have been relocated.
Idaho Fish and Game tranquilized a cow moose and her calf last week and moved them to a more remote area outside of town. After living in the southern end of the Arboretum for a year and a half and periodically migrating, the moose ascended onto campus in March while students were away during Spring Break, as per UI Campus Security.
During the roughly two weeks of roaming primarily near Nez Perce Drive, the cow and calf became increasingly habituated to humans. This began to pose a threat to students, faculty and Moscow residents.
The easy living conditions on campus additionally posed a risk to the safety of the moose as their loss of fear toward people exposed them to potential violence. According to Deputy Director of Emergency Management Patrick Lynch, at one point the cow came close to being hit by a vehicle while roaming through busy streets.
UI Campus Security were heavily involved in surveillance of the moose during their stay, routinely redirecting cars and students away from the animals. At least one officer was tracking their whereabouts at all times, staying in close proximity and informing the public. After the moose began inhabiting more heavily populated areas, Campus Security created boundaries that followed them, allowing them to move freely and maintain distance from humans while also permitting passersby to witness the wildlife.
UI informed IDFG who initially instructed them to leave the moose be as it was expected they would return to the Arboretum once students returned from Spring Break. After the moose became comfortable with humans and showed no signs of leaving populated areas, UI worked with IDFG to remove the cow and calf.
Jana Ashling, Clearwater Regional Wildlife Manager of IDFG, said in a press release, “Relocating wildlife is always a last resort, but in this case, it was the best decision for both the moose and the community.”
IDFG reminds the public to never approach or feed wildlife and to appreciate them from a safe distance.
Alison Cranney can be reached at arg-news@uidaho.edu.