April Ellingham was surprised to spot a moose with huge ears in her Grande Prairie, Alberta home’s flower bed this week. Initially mistaken for a rabbit, she soon realized the majestic animal was lounging comfortably. Ellingham, sharing the amusing encounter with CBC News, described the moose as “just chilling.”
Living in a serene neighborhood about 450 kilometers northwest of Edmonton, Ellingham mentioned that while deer sightings were common, moose were a rarity. However, over the past four days, a moose casually strolled through the area before settling down in her garden on Thursday.
Even after contacting Alberta Fish and Wildlife, the moose showed no signs of leaving. Wildlife officers attempted to coax the moose away by sounding their siren, prompting the animal to briefly move to a wooded area across the street. Nevertheless, the moose returned to Ellingham’s front yard after the officers departed.
Dubbed “Bob” by Ellingham’s husband, the moose became a local sensation, drawing neighbors who snapped photos of the unusual visitor. After a neighbor pointed out that Bob was actually a female, Ellingham renamed the moose “Roberta.”
Alberta Fish and Wildlife emphasized that moose might venture into urban areas in search of food or to evade predators. Although generally non-aggressive, moose can become defensive if they feel threatened, unwell, or if protecting their young. In such cases, officials advise maintaining a safe distance, refraining from feeding or provoking the animals, and keeping pets and children indoors.
Ellingham noted that Roberta had left her property by Friday afternoon, but uncertainty lingered about the possibility of another visit. If encountering a persistent or threatening moose, wildlife officials recommend seeking assistance promptly.
In summary, the peaceful coexistence between Roberta the moose and the neighborhood residents in Grande Prairie serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting wildlife boundaries and ensuring safety for both humans and animals.
