A wandering bull moose was captured in downtown Santa Fe and relocated to a suitable habitat in northern New Mexico, authorities said Tuesday.
State Game and Fish officials and Animal Service Officers for the city said the moose was spotted around 8 a.m. near Fort Marcy Park.
Officers set up a perimeter to protect residents and pedestrians in the park, which is a popular walking area.
Authorities said a bull moose can be aggressive toward humans and pets, especially during the breeding season, which begins in late September.
The moose was sedated with a tranquilizer dart and loaded onto a trailer before being evaluated by a Game and Fish Department veterinarian and determined to be in good health.
A wandering bull moose was captured in downtown Santa Fe. New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
The moose was spotted near Fort Marcy Park. New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
The moose was sedated with a tranquilizer dart. New Mexico Department of Game and FishDepartment biologists estimate the moose weighed over 900 pounds and was 4 to 5 years old.
Game and Fish officials said moose are a protected game animal in New Mexico and there is not an open hunting season for them.
