I was shocked to learn about the killing of the mother moose.
I encountered these urban moose the night before, walking along the river. I spent 15 minutes about 10 feet from them. I didn't sense danger, even being the only human around.
As I got closer, the mother did start to approach me, but as I backed away a bit, she was no longer concerned of my presence. I didn't feel danger, but rather a natural maternal instinct to protect her family.
The next day, this mother was killed, after being assaulted with rubber bullets and bean bags for half an hour. An animal that takes that long to defend herself is not a danger. The officers could have simply evacuated the park. Moose don't stay urban for long.
Most wild animals here are afraid of humans and we have the innate common sense to just keep a safe distance. Education is more beneficial than killing.
The city is surrounded by nature. We should know by now how to live symbiotically with it.
A sustainable city is one that is safe for all life.
R.I.P. my mother moose friend.
Jennifer Rose, St. Albert
