Twin baby moose and mother playing in sprinkler in Anchorage, AK. June 2008
00:03:53
Added on 6/28/08
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Crookston's unofficial moose mascot could be spending its final day in and around town.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources personnel, working with the Crookston Police Department, are in Crookston Monday to locate the moose and, if things go as everyone hopes, tranquilize it and relocate it somewhere far enough way so that the yearling female doesn't feel the urge to return here.
How far away?
"We're thinking Kittson County," Crookston Police Chief Tim Motherway told the Times. "The process is actively underway."
The moose that's hung around Crookston off and on since late winter was last seen over the weekend on the southern edge of town.
"I think this is the best outcome," Motherway said. "The moose is obviously used to being around people."
Motherway and DNR officials for months have stressed to Crookston residents that the young female, no matter how docile she may seem around people, is a wild animal and not a pet. Still, the moose has attracted an audience just about everywhere it's gone, and some people have even gone as far as too feed it.
Motherway has never ruled out putting the animal down if it was determined to be a public safety hazard. Multiple attempts to get the moose to leave town, with officers making loud noises and following it closely with their squad cars, have worked over the past few weeks, but only temporarily, as the moose has always returned.
"If this goes as it should, it's the best thing for Crookston and it's the best thing for the moose," Motherway said.
Previously, the chief reported that DNR officials had said that similar efforts to tranquilize moose for the purposes of relocation fail about half the time, with the moose perishing in the process.
The state is covering the costs of the effort, Motherway said.
The yearling moose that possesses a particular affinity for Crookston was back in town Monday after spending some time away. She spent much of the morning on the north end near Crookston National Bank. she eventuallyended up at Minakwa Golf Course Monday evening, while Men’s League matches were being played.
