Bull moose pays visit to Kalispell, Evergreen

It was first spotted Monday behind the Office Max in Evergreen: A large, brown creature had nestled down in an empty field.

Then people started to notice it elsewhere. A young bull moose had made its way into town, and a small crowd of onlookers formed around the tourist.

“There were a lot of people out trying to get selfies with it,” said Paul Charbonneau, Flathead County animal warden.

His main concern was keeping people from getting too close.

Cornered moose are known to charge. Charbonneau said the moose looked a bit agitated. But this young animal, aware of the human presence, didn’t move toward anyone.

Charbonneau also wanted to keep the moose away from U.S. 2, where it could panic and cause a crash.

“We were a little worried there,” Charbonneau said.

Early spectators thought the animal might be injured, but he eventually got up and continued his journey.

The first sighting reported to the Kalispell Police Department put the moose near Whitefish Stage Road at 7:30 a.m. Monday. It was reportedly chasing children for a moment before walking off.

The moose hung around for most of the day. Calls about the animal were directed to the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office at 8 p.m. when the animal was seen near Greenwood Village. It also was spotted behind the Daily Inter Lake office.

Another caller saw it closer to Idaho Street and Whitefish Stage Road before 9 p.m. Monday.

The last sighting for Charbonneau was in the same area, where the moose loped into the trees and disappeared near the Stillwater River.

It’s unclear whether or not the animal is still in town, but officials advise people not to get too friendly. John Fraley with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks advised that it’s best to give a moose a wide berth.

So far, the moose visitation has been without incident.

“He was just checking out town,” Charbonneau said.

Reporter Matt Hudson may be reached at 758-4459 or by email at mhudson@dailyinterlake.com.