How do you remove a 1,000-pound bull moose from the basement of a house? That was the dilemma for Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) officers who answered a call in Breckenridge.
The moose apparently fell through a window well while grazing and then broke through a large window and entered the home. Officers opened windows but could not coax it to enter the staircase and ascend so it could get out. Because of its shear size, they tranquilized the animal and cut off its antlers so they could maneuver it up the stairs and carry it outside the house. Moose antlers typically fall off this time of year and it will grow new antlers this spring.
“It’s important that window wells allow people in a home to escape in the event of an emergency, but at times they can be hazards to wildlife,” said CPW Area Wildlife Manager Jeromy Huntington. “Removing vegetation that may attract wildlife around the vicinity of window wells and covering below ground window wells with approved grates that allow people to escape will reduce the likelihood of wildlife becoming trapped, or in this case, having an unwelcome visitor in the home.”
Approximately 70 miles to the east, CPW officers dealt with another wildlife issue. They answered a call about a bull elk with rope tangled in its antlers that caused it to be stuck in several trees. With the assistance of local law enforcement, they tranquilized the bull, removed the rope, issued a reversal agent and the elk returned to the woods.
Go here to watch video of the rescue effort.
“Thanks to the local resident who reported this immediately, we were able to have a quick response and freed the elk without it sustaining any serious injury,” said CPW Wildlife Manager Matt Martinez.
In addition to keeping land clear of items that may cause issues for elk and other wildlife, their behavior is totally unpredictable and it is advised to use caution and keep your distance. A recent video went viral that shows a bull elk approach and pop the front tire of a vehicle.
(Photo credit: Colorado Parks and Wildlife)