Residents are being urged to give the animals plenty of room as sightings continue around Victoria Harbour and near Highway 12
Two moose wandering through Victoria Harbour have become an unusual neighbourhood attraction — but provincial officials are warning residents to admire them from a distance.
The Ministry of Natural Resources confirmed it is aware of two moose sighted in and around Victoria Harbour and is monitoring the situation.
“The ministry strongly discourages the public from approaching wild animals, particularly one as large as a moose,” the MNR said in a statement. “No matter how friendly it may appear, moose are very large mammals and can be dangerous.”
Sightings have been reported over the past several days along Robins Point Road, Park Street and Albert Street, with residents also warning motorists to watch for the animals around Highway 12.
The unexpected visitors have generated plenty of excitement on local social media, with residents sharing photos and updates as the moose make their way through the community.
But Serena Newton, who contacted Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Rosseau about the animals, urged residents not to turn the sightings into a pursuit.
Newton said the sanctuary advised people to give the moose plenty of space, avoid following them by vehicle or on foot, keep dogs leashed, and refrain from trying to herd the animals or surrounding them for photographs.
She also raised concerns about exertional myopathy, a potentially fatal condition that can occur in wildlife following extreme stress or exertion.
“These two are likely tired and stressed, as well, being separated in a town environment,” Newton wrote. “Give these animals the best chance at reconnecting and survival so they can get back to the bush.”
The MNR similarly cautioned people not to approach, touch or deliberately get close to a moose for photographs. Bull moose can be particularly aggressive and easily agitated during the fall breeding season.
The ministry is also reminding residents that feeding wildlife can do more harm than good. Feeding wild animals can lead to:
animals becoming dependent on artificial food sources;
animals losing their natural fear of humans and pets;
an increased likelihood of conflicts;
illness because artificial feed may not be healthy for wildlife;
an increased risk of animals being struck by vehicles.
What residents should do
The MNR recommends residents:
appreciate wildlife from a distance;
keep household waste, compost and pet food out of reach of wild animals;
attract wildlife to their properties by improving natural habitat;
work with neighbours to help keep wild animals wild.
What residents shouldn’t do
The ministry advises people not to:
put out food to attract wildlife;
approach or touch wild animals;
feed pets outdoors or allow pets to roam free;
put garbage out until the morning of collection.
Anyone encountering a moose should give it plenty of room and allow it to leave the area on its own.
For motorists around Victoria Harbour, the recent sightings are also a reason to slow down and keep an eye on the roadside while the animals remain on the move.
More information about preventing and managing conflicts with deer, elk and moose can be found at ontario.ca/page/preventing-and-managing-conflicts-deer-elk-and-moose.