Moose Shot and Killed After Charging Man in Idaho Residential Area

It doesn't take long to live in Idaho to find out how dangerous moose can be. Everyone that lives here seems to have a story about moose, and typically everyone knows someone that has been charged by one or almost charged by one. They are known to not be the nicest animals and can be extremely aggressive. While they typically will stick to certain areas and away from people, they can wander at times to residential areas, and that is where things become frightening and unpredictable. These large aggressive animals in a neighborhood can be dangerous, and how to deal with them isn't easy. Some may get scared and run away from the people, but other times they will charge and that seems to be the case this winter as a few different stories have shown.

Man Shoots Moose in Residential Area

Over the weekend a moose in eastern Idaho made its way into the town of Terreton where it decided to have a little romp through a neighborhood. The moose had been spotted a few different times previously, but mostly kept to itself. This weekend, the moose decided to be more aggressive and charged a man that tried to lure it away from the area. The moose decided to charge and the man in self-defense fired, killing the moose. Fish and Game was notified, and ruled that the shot was in self-defense, and the man will not be charged with any crimes. While the shot was in self-defense and had to be done to save the man's life, one can argue that had the man stayed in his home or vehicle and let the moose leave on its own, he never would have been in danger. 

Moose in Residential Areas in Idaho

While moose coming into residential areas isn't common, it has happened a few times over the last couple of weeks. Last week a moose attacked a woman near Sun Valley, without being provoked. The good news is that the woman will be ok, but it is still alarming that a moose was near town and attacked. That attack with what took place in Terreton has to raise awareness that these large animals are coming out of the wilderness for a reason. Are they lacking food? Are they getting disoriented and lost? Are they migrating and not realizing where they are at? The best thing you can do if you spot a moose in town, is don't approach it, get in a safe place, and contact Fish and Game. Hopefully, these are just a few fluke incidents, but the more they continue to happen, it begins to become a trend.

Get our free mobile app

Make sure to remain alert this winter, especially in areas near where moose live, as they seem to be finding their way into neighborhoods. Be smart and safe if you do see one, and make sure to notify officials so they can be aware of the situation. Like this man, make sure to be prepared if a charge does occur, but do your best to not be in a position where one can happen. Hopefully, there won't be many moose making their way into neighborhoods in the future, but if they do, make sure to act accordingly.