Brains
I don’t know if you’ve ever seen a moose, but they are not small. I still remember my first moose encounter. I was tree planting in Northern Ontario many years ago when a bull moose decided my plot was his mating grounds. At 10 feet tall, he towered over me. I took shelter atop a pile of slash (cut trees and logs) until he lost interest. But the memory sticks with me.
Running into a moose was more frightening than running into a bear. Moose can be aggressive, and their sheer size is something I don’t want to mess with.
So, when I heard Parks Canada had warned winter travelers to stop moose from licking their car, I had to ask, “How?” Followed quickly by, “Why?”
In December, Jasper National Park warned their Facebook followers to be wary of moose on the road.
It turns out that moose love salt, and during the winter months, they head to the highway to get their fix. Moose, in particular, are known for licking vehicles on highways to satisfy their salt craving. While this may seem amusing or cute, Parks Canada is warning people not to let the moose lick their cars.
The warning against moose licking salt from cars is not new. Parks Canada has been advising people to avoid wildlife on the roads as it endangers animals’ lives. Pulling over to observe wildlife on roads teaches wildlife that vehicles are safe. If moose become accustomed to licking the salt from vehicles, it may lead to further accidents on the highway.
Moose weigh around 1,400 pounds on average and often move in groups. A collision with a moose can cause severe damage. If you spot a moose on the road, do not stop. Stay in your vehicle and move on. Remember, wild animals are unpredictable and may become agitated quickly and easily.
Winter months can be challenging for wildlife, and animals often come onto roads to scrape salt off the pavement and vehicles. While watching wild animals is a treat, it is crucial to remember that they are not pets; they are wild animals that need to be respected and given space. As such, Parks Canada recommends that people refrain from letting moose and other wild animals lick salt from their cars while on the highways. Driving safely and responsibly will help avoid animal risks and keep humans safe. So, let us be responsible and carefully interact with nature in winter.
