A bull moose was shot and killed behind a northeast Calgary home Friday morning after it turned on the officers that were trying to subdue it with a tranquilizer dart.
Calgary Police officers and officials with Alberta Fish and Wildlife tracked the animal as it strolled through the parking lot of Marlborough Mall, where it had sought refuge from morning rush hour traffic.
Brendan Cox with Alberta Fish and Wildlife says officers tried to tranquilize the beast, but that didn’t work, after leaving the mall parking lot, it headed onto private property and started to do some damage.
“The officers had a tough decision to make, but they had to make it quickly to prevent anyone from being hurt by the moose or, to prevent any further property damage as well,” he said.
Cox says the moose was clearly agitated which was one of the determining factors in shooting it.
“There were a couple of close calls with people in the area, just because the moose were so mobile,” he said.
He explains there are a number of reasons why the moose might have decided to come to the city, including trying to find a mate.
Agencies/Canadajournal