Don't stand so close to moose: A few safety tips when encountering the wonderful, large animals

Tourists flock to Alaska from around the world to take in the majesty of the Denali, trek along one of the glaciers or many trails, and maybe catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. For others, Alaska is all about the wildlife, whether catching salmon and halibut, or catching a glimpse of the bears and moose and other wildlife that call Alaska home.

Almost anywhere people travel in Alaska, there is a chance to see a moose, who have been known to frequent forests and along roads, wander into towns or people's yards, and even birthed a calf or two in a parking lot. There is a misconception that moose are slow, lumbering animals that are not harmful, but a number of recent attacks is serving as a reminder that moose are wild animals and caution needs to be taken, including a recent attack in which a 70-year-old Alaska man who was attempting to take photos of two newborn moose calves was attacked and killed by their mother. Reports indicate that the female moose had recently given birth to the calves in Homer.

There are up to 200,000 moose in Alaska, a state with a human population of about 737,000. The largest of the deer family, a small adult female moose can weigh up to 800 pounds, while a large adult male can weigh twice that, according to Fish and Game. The animals can stand almost 6 feet tall. Typically, moose are not aggressive but can become so if provoked, according to the state Department of Fish and Game's website.

While, for most, the greatest risk involving a moose is hitting one with a car-they tend to be most mobile around dawn or dusk-people eager to take photographs of the large animals are reminded to take extra precaution.

A cow moose will become very protective over young calves and will attack humans who come too close, the department says, especially during calving season for moose as cow moose with calves are going to be some of the more aggressive moose.

People should not spook the animals or get between a mother and her calves, and a good rule to keep in mind is if there is a young moose, a cow moose is probably not far away.

While moose are generally perceived to be less dangerous than bears, more people in Alaska are injured by moose than by bears each year. Moose will usually flee when threatened, but under certain circumstances, they can become aggressive, especially when they are harassed by people, dogs, and traffic, or when hungry and tired, especially in winter when they must walk through heavy snow.

Sometimes people throw snowballs at moose or approach them too closely for safety. Dogs can surprise moose in backyards, and loose dogs may chase or bark at them. Moose view dogs as enemies and will sometimes go out of their way to kick at one, even if the dog is on a leash or in a fenced yard. Give moose an extremely wide berth if you have a dog with you and don't let your dog chase a moose.

When moose are on a road, driveway, or trail or when they are lying under a deck or up against a house, they are often trying to rest. When people repeatedly approach them or chase them away, moose become stressed and agitated. Each moose has a different tolerance level, but if they are harassed enough, many moose will respond aggressively.

How do you know when a moose might attack? The long hairs on its hump are raised, ears laid back, like a dog or cat, and it may lick its lips. Hint: if you can see this, you are way too close. A moose that sees a person and walks slowly towards them is not trying to make a friend; it may be looking for a hand-out or warning you to keep away. All of these are dangerous situations and people should back away.

In late spring and summer, cow moose with young calves are very protective and will attack humans who come too close. If you see a calf on its own, be very careful because you may have walked between it and its mother — a very dangerous place to be. During the fall mating season in late September and October, termed the rut, bull moose may be aggressive toward humans

While it may be tempting to feed moose, it is actually quite dangerous, and illegal. Moose that are fed by humans often become conditioned and will act aggressively when they are not fed as expected. A moose with a history of being fed may approach an unsuspecting person in hopes of receiving a hand-out, and may attack if it sees that the person has no food to offer.

If a moose is obstructing the road or driveway, look for another way around the moose. If not, be patient. The moose will move away in time. It may take half an hour or more, but it is usually worth waiting. Sometimes a loud noise or movement will startle a moose into moving, but moose that are used to people are not easily chased away.

If you have to get by, try to keep a large tree, snow berm, vehicle, building, or fence between you and the moose. Don't approach a moose if its only escape route is in your direction, and always leave yourself one or more escape routes. As a last resort, pepper spray will often move them, or at least provide some protection if they charge. Frequently, unsuspecting dogs are let out in their backyards when lighting is poor resulting in a surprised moose and a surprised dog. Turn outside lights on and scan your yard before blindly releasing your four-legged friend into the darkness.

So what to do when a moose charges? Fortunately most moose charges are bluffs — warning you to stay back. However, take the moose seriously. Even a calf, which weighs 300 or 400 pounds by its first winter, can cause serious injury.

When a moose charges it often kicks forward with its front hooves. Unlike with bears or even dogs, it is usually a good idea to run from a moose because they won't chase you very far. Get behind something solid; you can run around a tree faster than a moose. If it knocks you down, a moose may continue running or start stomping and kicking with all four feet. Curl up in a ball, protect your head with your hands, and hold still. Don't move or try to get up until the moose moves a safe distance away or it may renew its attack.

For more information, please visit www.alaska.org/advice/you-see-a-moose