They were a bit groggy at first.
But slowly, a moose cow and her two calves roused from tranquilizer darts and took their first steps in what wildlife officials hope will remain their new home far away from the city of St. Albert, Alberta.
Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement pulled off operation moose move this week after the trio was becoming a little too comfortable near a school.
“Over the past few weeks, Fish and Wildlife officers have received multiple reports of three moose that have been sighted along Bourdreau Rd. in St. Albert,” the province said.
On Tuesday morning, officials from the community northwest of Edmonton could no longer stand by.
That’s after the moose family was spotted hanging around École Secondaire Sainte Marguerite d’Youville.
And, school lockdowns were initiated.
Some schools in St Albert are on hold and secure because of a moose on the grounds lol 🇨🇦 pic.twitter.com/Z6V9oU8yDy
— El Padre 🧡🇫🇷🇨🇦 (@BrianLaboss) February 8, 2022
There was a lock down at my kid's school for the last 4 hours.
— stacey brotzel (@staceybrotzel) February 8, 2022
There was a moose on the grounds.#MostCanadianHoldAndSecureEver 🇨🇦
Apparently 2 moose are on the loose.. fish and wildlife have been called so the two schools are on a hold and secure. That what the moms on FB seem to be saying. (This seems to happen at least once a year in St.Albert lol!)
— Colleen (@TidalGirl) February 8, 2022
City peace officers, staff and conservation officers jumped into action.
“[They] were able to successfully immobilize the three moose and relocate them together at a more suitable natural area outside the city,” Fish and Wildlife explained later.
Hopefully, this not-so-little moose family stays out of the city.
But if these moose return — or you ever encounter one — officials offer some advice.
That includes, keeping children and animals inside until the moose has moved on and don’t try to scare off moose by yelling or throwing things.
If a moose is blocking your way, find a way around. And, if a moose charges, run away and try to find a car, tree or building to hide behind.
