A Kansas resident surprised biologists with footage of a giant herbivore usually associated with the frozen north.
KSNT reported that a man in Republic County near the state border with Nebraska captured photos and video of a moose wandering through a cornfield. Laura Clawson, an official with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, described the odd encounter as "incredibly rare."
It's possible the wayward moose came from the small population residing in Colorado, as the timing coincides with the end of the rutting season. They usually live solitary, peaceful lives, grazing in the woodlands, but the onset of mating season triggers behavioral changes in moose. During this time, bulls display heightened aggression and a tendency to wander far outside of their usual ranges in search of cows.
At up to 1,400 pounds in weight, moose are second only to the American bison among the continent's largest mammals. They play an important role in the ecosystem through their grazing habits. One adult can consume up to 60 pounds of leaves and twigs. Indeed, their very name is descriptive, drawn from the Algonquian language for "eater of twigs." They prevent overgrowth and clear the forest floors for other species.
This is far from the first time that cameras have shown their value in aiding the research of biologists. Spotting a species well outside of its known range is valuable information, and the insights gleaned from the images help mitigate sources of conflict and identify ways to protect nature in local communities.
Moose numbers have declined in recent years because of rising temperatures, altering their habitats and spreading parasites. According to Mongabay, the Canadian population has dropped by 20% in the last 20 years. They don't mean people any harm, but experts counsel caution when encountering them in the wild.
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As Clawson advised, direct interaction should be avoided, but instead appreciate them from a distance: "This is a rare and exciting thing to see. One of our biologists said to share that folks should enjoy the opportunity if they are in the area and see it."
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