PETERBOROUGH-Residents in various parts of Peterborough reported a moose strolling around the streets on Tuesday morning.
The Peterborough Police Service received several reports of a moose in the west-end of Peterborough and have been in contact with the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) and they offer the following tips for staying safe.
The majestic animal was seen on Glen Forest Road and on Weller Street in the City.
General precautions to avoid conflicts or contact with wildlife:
- Never approach a wild animal. Always keep you, your family and pets a safe distance away from wildlife. Dogs should be kept leashed.
- If a deer, elk or moose approaches you, back off and look for a tree, fence or building to hide behind. If the animal charges, run to the nearest obstruction (like a tree, fence or building).
- Leave orphaned wild animals alone (parents are often close by and will return for their young)
- Always drive with caution if wildlife may be in the area. Brake firmly if an animal is standing on or crossing the road, stopping if necessary. Swerving to avoid hitting a wild animal may result in loss of control and a more serious collision.
- If you see a wild animal while in your vehicle do not try to get closer. Do not feed it from your vehicle. When people feed them from their vehicles, it teaches these animals to associate cars and humans with a potential food source. This can lead animals to wait on the roadsides or even approach vehicles in the hopes of getting food. This can cause traffic hazards and safety concerns for both animals and humans traveling the roadway.
- If there is an immediate threat to public safety, dial 911 or the local police service.
If the public has a sighting of the moose and it is safe to do so please report sightings to the Peterborough work centre: 705-755-2001 or [email protected].
