Moose Roams Idaho Falls Neighborhood

It wasn’t an ordinary day around Idaho Falls, as a moose was on the loose. The call came in at about 1:30 p.m. Saturday of a moose in the area of Olympus Street and Crescent Avenue.

Residents near the airport were surprised as a moose wandered into backyards. Many spectators attempted to get too close to the animal, but were stopped by Idaho Falls Animal Control for their own safety and the safety of the moose.

“If you see a moose like this in town, give it plenty of room. They are very large animals; they are an unpredictable animal; and they are a wild animal,” said Fish and Game Manager Daryl Meints.

Meints said it’s not unusual for moose to wander down from the east hills this time of year to get to the river. But this moose was only one of a few seen this summer.

“It has actually been a slower year,” Meints said. “Usually June and July are busier times of year, dealing with these yearlings, but we have only had to deal with a few this year.”

Usually June and July are busier times of year dealing with these yearlings but we have only had to deal with a few this year,” said Meints.

Animal control kept the area clear while Fish and Game officers shot the moose with a dart.

“It usually takes about three minutes for the drug to take affect before they go down. Sometimes they go down in the same yard we dart them in. Yeah we had a little chase today but nothing major,” said Meints.

Fish and Game officers said the moose did fine. She started to stumble and went down in the shade a two-and-a-half-block chase.

“(The moose) was kind of dizzy,” said Journie Spencer, who watched the moose chase.

“The successful chase ended with the Idaho Falls Animal Control and Fish and Game loading the moose into a trailer. “Beautiful animal, just glad we got to see it. Very cool,” said Brandon Hobbs, onlooker.

If you see a moose in town or any wild animal, Idaho Falls Animal Control urges you to call dispatch immediately at 208-529-1200 and keep your distance.