SOAP LAKE – On Monday morning, Soap Lake Public Works discovered a moose wandering around public works land before jumping a fence and making its way into the Soap Lake Dog Park, prompting the park to be closed briefly, according to Soap Lake Mayor Peter Sharp. 

“We closed the dog park for the day,” Sharp said. “Public Works Director, Eli (Olson) got ahold of Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and let them know. They said just stay away from it. It'll be fine. Let it go out of its way. Basically, they're not going to do anything to it.” 

Sharp said the dog park will reopen Tuesday, as long as the moose moves along.  

“Often these animals move on from cities and are just migrating through,” WDFW North Central Regional Communications Contact Nicole Jordan said. “During the days when temperatures are hot, moose are likely to look for cool and wet locations during the daytime hours.”  

Jordan said that no matter what, people should not approach wildlife, especially moose, because they can be unpredictable.  

“Even if moose seem quiet and gentle, they can change their disposition rather quickly,” Jordan said. 

Both Jordan and Sharp asked residents to be mindful when walking their dogs in the area.  

Sharp said there are areas where residents can walk their dogs off-leash at the dog park. He asks that people choose a different route for the next day or two until the moose has moved along.  

“Moose consider dogs, which are close relatives of wolves, to be a direct threat,” Jordan said. “Moose have been known to go out of their way to kick a dog, even one on a leash or in a fenced yard. If you see a moose where you live, bring dogs inside. If you're walking with your dog and see a moose, keep your dog quiet and take an alternate route out of the area.” 

Jordan also said people should not try to feed the moose or make loud noises that could disturb the moose.  

“It is important to remember that anything as large as a moose can be dangerous. This is why these animals are classified as Dangerous Wildlife,” Jordan said. “Although moose have long legs, they are not built for speed like deer. Moose will often choose ‘fight’ over ‘flight’ to escape a situation or when they feel threatened.”  

Jordan said moose attacks on humans are considered rare, but people should still be prepared. If a moose sees someone and begins walking slowly towards you, try to back off and create space. Try to find a nearby tree, fence, building or other obstruction to hide behind.  

“It's usually a good idea to run from a moose because usually it won't chase you very far,” a statement from WDFW said. 

If a moose does knock you down, it may continue running or it may start stomping and kicking. WDFW recommends people curl up into a ball, protect their head and arms and hands and hold still. Do not try to move or get back up until the moose moves a safe distance away, or it may restart its attack.