As you stop to take photos of moose in the wilderness, one thing they might do is come give your car a lick. While it may seem entertaining, it can lead to the animals getting hurt into the future, according to Parks Canada in a social media post earlier this month.
Tracy McKay, Jasper National Park’s Ecologist Team Leader in Wildlife Management, says moose usually get their salt and mineral intake from aquatic wildlife and vegetation. Over the winter, it’s tougher for them to receive that intake; moose have discovered that cars carry lots of salt from roadways, so they lick them when cars pull alongside the roads to take pictures. Moose then hang around high traffic areas so they can get their salt intake, which can lead them to getting hurt.
Moose near a vehicle. Photo submitted by Parks Canada.
McKay says the best thing you can do is keep slowly driving when taking photos, and don’t let them lick your car.
Listen to the interview with Tracy McKay below:
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