April Ellingham was amazed to spot two large furry ears outside her Grande Prairie, Alta. home this week as she glanced out of her kitchen window. Initially mistaking it for a rabbit, she soon realized it was a moose peacefully resting in her flower bed. Ellingham shared the amusing encounter with CBC News, describing how the moose, nicknamed Bob, seemed perfectly relaxed in her garden.
Living in a serene neighborhood about 450 kilometers northwest of Edmonton, Ellingham mentioned that while deer sightings were common, moose sightings were rare. However, over the past few days, the moose had casually wandered through the area before settling down in her garden. Despite contacting Alberta Fish and Wildlife, the moose showed no signs of leaving even after officers attempted to coax it away with a siren. Eventually, the moose briefly crossed the street to a wooded area but promptly returned to Ellingham’s flower bed after the officers departed.
Neighbours flocked to Ellingham’s home to capture photos of the moose, turning Bob into a local celebrity. After discovering that Bob was actually a female, Ellingham renamed the moose Roberta. Alberta Fish and Wildlife highlighted that moose might venture into urban regions in search of food or to evade predators. While typically non-aggressive, moose can exhibit defensive behavior if they feel threatened or unwell, especially when protecting their young.
In situations of close moose encounters, wildlife officials advise against approaching, feeding, or trying to scare the animals away. It is recommended to give moose space to retreat and to keep pets and children indoors. In case of a moose charging, authorities suggest seeking safety by running to cover behind a solid object such as a vehicle or a tree. If a moose refuses to leave or poses a safety hazard, wildlife officials should be contacted. As of Friday afternoon, Ellingham reported that Roberta had left her property, unsure if another visit was in store.