MOOSE

This was emailed to all students and faculty today:

TO: UAA Anchorage Campus Community

FROM: University Advancement

SUBJECT: Campus Moose Alert

With snow creeping down neighboring mountainsides and daylight disappearing rapidly, moose will likely begin appearing around campus and are often seen foraging for food around university buildings and walkways. If you see a moose on campus near a path or building, please call UPD at 786-1120, especially if it appears to be acting aggressively or is in close proximity to a building entrance.

Make sure you can recognize the signs of an aggressive moose in order to keep yourself safe! If a moose stops eating and stares at you, or lays its ears back and raises the hair on its hump, beware. Other threatening signs include licking its lips or clicking its teeth, and most importantly, lowering its head and walking toward you.

Should a moose charge you, run and place a strong barrier (like a tree or car) between you and the animal. If you’re knocked to the ground, curl up into a fetal position and protect your head with your arms. Don’t move until the moose is a safe distance from you. Remember, these are wild animals that can weigh more than 1,200 pounds and can run up to 30 miles per hour.

Also, please keep in mind that it is unlawful to harass or feed moose. You can usually watch them from a safe distance, but don’t chase or disturb them in order to get better photographs.

Taking care, using common sense, and being continually aware of your surroundings will go a long way in preventing an incident with a moose. Remain watchful of your surroundings as you walk around campus, especially at dusk and at night since moose are more difficult to see in the dark.

Ironically, today I think I saw the moose in question.