POST FALLS, Idaho -- It appears as if a group of moose have almost become too comfortable in some parts of Post Falls.
To be clear: This is not a new issue by any means. Moose have been in Post Falls for some time. Kiwanis Park is one place where police took a report of moose charging at a person. So far, there have not been any major issues. Idaho Fish and Game officials point out that trying to move and relocate these animals is not always a safe or easy task.
Paul Creighton sees majestic moose visiting his neighborhood. They are pretty to look at, as long as you give them space.
"And I've seen our next-door neighbor be chased into his house by another moose because of the two babies," Creighton explained.
Creighton lives in the Riverside Harbor neighborhood. Just to the west, police were called after a moose charged someone at the nearby Kiwanis Park. This month, police issued a warning about some folks putting out salt and lettuce for the animals.
"People are sometimes leaving food out, which is drawing them in and causing more problems," he said.
One frustrated man, who also lives in this neighborhood, took to the police department's Facebook page regarding the issue. He claims that the moose are now in this area year-round and the problem has become worse. He asked, "When is something going to be done?"
"They're nice animals. I love them. But they belong where they belong. And it's not in a subdivision," Creighton said.
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game leaders said trying to capture moose is not easy. It takes time and numbers to prepare a moose capture and often the animals could be gone by the time wildlife officers arrive, hours later. In this case, since young moose are with a female, IDFG would want to capture and move them as a family, which is also very challenging.
For now, it is best to give these guys some space. A Fish and Game officer also made the point that the darts they use to tranquilize moose can be fatal to humans. If they were to use that on a moose in a populated area, they would have to be very careful.