April Ellingham was taken aback this week when she spotted a moose lounging in her flower bed from her kitchen window in Grande Prairie, Alberta. Initially mistaking it for a rabbit, she quickly realized the massive animal’s true identity. Ellingham shared her amusement with CBC News, describing the moose as “just chilling,” a sentiment echoed by her granddaughter.
Residing on a tranquil street in the northern Alberta city, Ellingham typically encounters deer but was surprised by the presence of a moose in her neighborhood over the past few days. Despite her efforts to have the moose relocated by contacting Alberta Fish and Wildlife, the animal lingered in her garden, unfazed even by the officers’ attempts to coax it away with sirens. After a brief retreat to a nearby wooded area, the moose returned to rest in front of Ellingham’s house.
Dubbed “Bob” by Ellingham’s husband, the moose garnered attention from neighbors who stopped by to take photos, turning the unexpected visitor into a local celebrity. It was later discovered that the moose was actually a female, prompting Ellingham to affectionately rename her “Roberta.”
Alberta Fish and Wildlife emphasized that moose may venture into urban areas in search of food or to evade predators. While typically non-aggressive, moose can become defensive when feeling threatened or unwell, particularly when protecting their young. Wildlife officials caution against approaching, feeding, or attempting to scare moose, advising the public to give them space and keep pets and children indoors during encounters. In case of a charge, authorities recommend seeking safety behind a solid object.
As of Friday, Roberta had departed Ellingham’s property, leaving uncertainty about a potential return visit. Wildlife officials advise contacting them for persistent moose presence that poses a safety risk.
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