A Momma Moose And Two Babies Dead In The Bighorns

It's June, and the wildlife around Wyoming has just dropped their babies. When this happens, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department's phones ring off the hook, as concerned Wyomingites come across a baby they believe is in danger.

Usually, there is no danger to the baby, and mom has likely stashed the baby to keep it safe. In a situation like that, WGFD will thank the caller for their concern and stress that the person should leave the baby where it is, so its mother can find it.

When a mother's baby is in harm's way, she will become protective, and sometimes the situation turns dangerous not only for the mom and baby but also for anyone who may be near the baby.

That was the case in the Bighorn National Forest when a momma moose and an angler got into a confrontation, resulting in the moose being shot and killed, and her two calves being euthanized.

The angler was fishing on the Tongue River near Bear Lodge Resort when the cow moose became agitated and charged the angler. In self-defense, the angler shot the moose multiple times.

Game Wardens responded to the call and found the dead moose and two yearling calves nearby. They assume the cow was protecting the babies when she became agitated and felt threatened by the angler. Because the calves wouldn't be able to survive without their mother, they were euthanized.

It's a sad story, and there are three fewer moose in the Bighorns now.

WGFD offers words of advice to help avoid situations like this:

• Pay attention to your surroundings while you're in areas where wildlife is present.
• Make noise and move carefully in areas with poor visibility, like in early morning or late evening, when the light is low.
• Choose another route of travel if your path leads you toward visible wildlife.
• Keep your dogs on a leash and under control.
• Carry bear spray. It can be an effective, nonlethal way to fend off a moose, bear, or other wildlife.