After recent attacks, officials urge moose respect
PALMER, Alaska (AP) — An Alaska woman says she remembers hearing the thundering roar of hooves behind her just before she became the latest victim in a spate of moose attacks in this state where humans and wildlife co-exist, even in major cities.
State troopers say a cow moose slammed Caren della Cioppa to the ground and stomped on her as she cleared a trail on her property Monday. Five days earlier, another moose struck an Anchorage girl on her bicycle.
The attacks occurred during moose birthing season, a dangerous time for anyone who veers too close to the protective mothers of calves usually born within a two-week period in May.
Wildlife officials say moose are not predators and only attack when their personal space is trespassed. But they say that's a distance that can vary widely from moose to moose.
Officials say the animals are familiar sights in states like Alaska, but people should always take precautions and move away from them.