DEAR JOAN: I recently read an article about a bull moose in Alaska attacking sled dogs of a rookie Iditarod musher, while she and her dogs were on a training run for the big race.
My understanding is that most animals only attack in self-defense, to protect their young, defend their territory or for food. Would you say the moose attacked for one of these reasons or is a bull moose inherently aggressive just because he is?
What else can you tell us about moose? Although our Western states have ponds and lakes, which are part of their habitat, why don’t moose seem to exist in our part of the country? Why have I never seen one in a zoo?
Nelle Neighbor-Alonzo, El Cerrito
DEAR NELLE: All wild creatures can be aggressive during certain times of the year to protect their offspring and territories or in the hunt for food. Moose, however, are herbivores and don’t have territories, making it less likely they’d attack a human.
The woman and her dog team were likely in the wrong place at the wrong time. Mating season has concluded, but moose, tired from trudging through the snow and looking for food, can become overstimulated. Moose also don’t like dogs, especially ones that bark at them. It’s most likely the presence of the dogs annoyed the moose, and he attacked. The dogs were tethered to the sled and unable to escape, so the attack continued until someone arrived with a rifle and killed the moose.
As for why California isn’t blessed by having these impressive creatures, it’s likely down to our climate. The winters and the summers are just too warm for them, even in the Sierra, and the boreal forest that we do have is pretty well occupied by other animals.
You don’t see moose in many zoos because they don’t do well in captivity. Experts believe it has something to do with diet, with zoos unable to match what’s available to the creatures in the wild. With few exceptions, moose rarely live more than 4 years when put in a zoo.
Although we’re unlikely to be attacked by a moose while out enjoying the warmer days, it’s a good reminder that we have other animals we share space with. Deer will soon have their fawns to protect, and it’s coyote mating season, meaning the males can become aggressive. Keep an eye out for sluggish rattlesnakes that will be emerging from hibernation.
DEAR JOAN: Other parts of the country rely on a big rodent to determine the length of winter and arrival of spring, but here in Danville, I rely on Lizard Day! Lizard Day is my first sighting of lizards in my yard. Last year it was on Feb. 10 and this year on Feb. 7.
After a long winter sleep they emerge to feast in my pesticide-free front and backyards. I estimate I have a half dozen in each yard and they do a great job of pest control. Ever since my first sighting of lizards a few years back I stopped all pesticide use and have relied on Mother Nature to control the bugs.
Johnny Johnson, Danville
DEAR JOHNNY: Good job, and Happy Lizard Day to one and all. I love seeing them scampering around my yard, too.
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Source: www.mercurynews.com