CPW: Video of moose tangled in swing demonstrates dangers of attracting wildlife to neighborhoods
Colorado Parks and Wildlife says a man admitted using salt to attract a bull moose to his property in Silverthorne after the animal became tangled in a backyard swing.
CPW released video, which you can view at the bottom of this article, that shows the angry moose struggling to free his antler’s from the swing’s rope.
CPW officers were eventually able to subdue the animal long enough to cut the rope and free him, but it took several hours. CPW says that once freed, the moose charged its rescuers and then ran off. He didn’t appear to be injured.
The dangers of attracting wildlife to your home: Habituating wildlife to humans
Human food can make some animals sick or kill them
Changing wildlife migration and behavior patterns
Attracting predators to residential areas
Increased vehicle vs. animal crashes
“These homeowners told me that they enjoy watching wildlife so they put the salt lick out to attract moose and other animals,” said District Wildlife Manager Tom Davies of Silverthorne. “The fact that they caused the moose to suffer like it did and putting the officers in such a dangerous situation is a clear example of how irresponsible attracting wildlife to your home or neighborhood can be.”
The homeowners were not cited, but intentionally attracting wild animals to your property can lead to fines.
