Wildlife
SNAPPED: Rare moose triplets taking a nap
UPDATE: Rusty Robinson, Once-in-a-lifetime Species Coordinator for the Utah Department of Natural Resources, reviewed the photo and said in a statement,
“Those are moose calves. I can see how someone might confuse them for deer, but the coloration, neonatal facial structure, dark eye rings and snout, inconspicuous tail and long legs are all indicators of a moose calf.”
Viral rare moose triplets or deer photo ignites heated debate
SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah – TownLift reader Lesly Levy shared this great photo of mama moose watching over her triplets while taking a nap.
Scott Root with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources told Fox 13 “…it’s really quite uncommon to see a cow moose with triplets. I can’t even recall when I’ve seen that last time. So this is a special find for people that have seen these calf moose.” Root went on to say “One of the most dangerous animals out there is a mama moose with calves, So please use caution, leave the animals alone if you can. But what a special treat we have.”
The moose family of four was spotted earlier this month with mom defending the calves from a golf flagstick / pin.
Safety tips to prevent conflicts with a moose
- Always give the moose a lot of space and watch its behavior.
- Never try to approach or feed a moose.
- Keep dogs leashed and under control at all times. It is against Utah law to allow dogs to chase or harass protected hoofed wildlife, like moose.
- Stay calm and do not run away. Talk, make your presence known and slowly back away in the direction you came.
- If a moose charges you or chases you, hide behind something solid (like a tree) or try to get inside a vehicle or building.
- If a moose knocks you down, curl into a ball, protect your head and lie still until the moose retreats.
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