Moose sighting closes Police Point
By Peggy Revell on September 20, 2017.
Medicine Hat News Police Point Park has been temporarily closed by the city due to an aggressive moose. The park will remain closed until at least Thursday, with the city advising public to stay away from the area until further notice. The moose in Police Point was the same one sighted mid-Tuesday morning in the Crestwood neighbourhood. A parent of one of Crestwood School’s students spotted the moose, and reported it to Fish and Wildlife and school officials. Precautions were taken, with school staff staying on the lookout when children were outside in case the moose chose to come close to the grounds, the News was told by the school division. The moose eventually made its way to Police Point Park, with the parks and recreation department issuing a notice of the closure mid-afternoon. “The public is advised that rutting moose can be very dangerous, and not to go near this area until it is deemed safe to do so,” the city’s news release advised. “If you are visiting any other parks or trails in the city, be aware of your surroundings at all time, and if you spot a moose or any other dangerous wildlife to contact Bylaw or Fish and Wildlife immediately at the numbers provided below.” The contact info for Medicine Hat Bylaw 403-529-8481, while Fish and Wildlife is 403-529-3680. Fish and Wildlife have been on scene at the park, working to handle the situation. How officials have dealt with moose venturing into city limits in the past has varied. In Sept. 2014, a three-year-old bull — dubbed Martin — was tranquilized and transported to the Cypress Hills after spending a large amount of time in the Ross Glen neighbourhood, specifically in the park area between Mother Teresa and Ross Glenn School. “Melvin the Moose” was relocated to the Cypress Hills after making his home in the Connaught area of Medicine Hat in July 2011. “Melvin II” was sighted in September 2012 around Police Point Park, although Fish and Wildlife opted to not step in and transport him elsewhere. 13-12
