‘Never seen them up that close’: Pouce Coupe hotel worker talks encounter with moose and calf

POUCE COUPE, B.C. — A local hospitality worker had a close encounter with a pair of moose before work.

Diane McCarthy has worked at the Peace Energy Lodge hotel in Pouce Coupe for two months

Before the venue opened on Thursday, March 26th, she had very special visitors: a mother moose and her calf, who had come to the front glass of the lodge.

McCarthy posted several videos on Facebook to local Dawson Creek groups. 

“We opened this morning and we went out to unlock the doors and two of them were there,” said McCarthy. “I was like, ‘wow’ and [it was] awesome. We took videos. It was great seeing them.

“I was glad that the glass was between us.”

The pair of animals stared into the building. McCarthy said they spent about an hour before they finally left, but not before taking a tour around the building.

“We have never seen them up that close before,” said McCarthy. “I went out to check on them, and the baby was gone. I went to the other door, and the baby was guarding the other door. The mom was at the front door.”

With the eatery opening at 11 a.m., McCarthy said she had to finally venture outside to clap her hands and the majestic animals walked away.

“I was afraid [of] people coming in and all they charge or something,” said McCarthy. “I opened the door, and I clapped my hands. They looked at me, and then the two of them went on their way.”