Moose spotted in community forest north of Fort St. John

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The City of Fort St. John issued a wildlife alert to residents after receiving reports of a moose in the Fish Creek Community Forest.

Residents are advised to be cautious in the area and avoid surprising wildlife by making loud noises or travelling in a group.

Moose sightings can be dangerous. In June, a 17-year-old student at North Peace Secondary School was injured by a moose that was later relocated by conservation officers.

In a Facebook post on October 10th, the city advised people to avoid animal feeding sites, adding that “any changes in wildlife behaviour may mean that you are too close.”

Meanwhile, if residents encounter a bear, staff members say they should avoid running away or turning their back on the animal.

“Speak calmly yet firmly while trying to appear larger and back away slowly,” the post reads. “If the animal is aggressive, throw things at it. If attacked, fight back.”

In the event of an animal encounter, residents should either call 911 or the Report All Poachers and Polluters toll-free hotline at 1-877-952-7277.