AR-News: (AK - US) Common-sense letter to editor in Anchorage paper on moose encounters

[Snugglezzz at aol.com]

You probably recall the dumbass skiing through a municipal park who allowed 
his dog to run loose.  He encountered a moose and just happened to have a .44 
in his backpack so he killed it.  Below is a common-sense letter to the editor 
in the Anchorage paper.
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There are several ways to avoid moose encounters on city trails

In response to "Stomped by moose before, skier unloads with .44" (March 20), 
I must say I agree with the sentiment that this attack probably could have 
been avoided. As an avid cross-country skier, I sympathize with Mike Vogel's 
plight. Ask anyone who skis the trails, and their response will likely be that 
they too have encountered moose. However, there are several ways to avoid these 
encounters. 

First, ski in a group. Second, don't take your dog. Our golden retriever, who 
loves to be outdoors, rarely gets to ski with us, unless it is a trail 
without moose (e.g. Hatcher Pass). Third, pepper spray or an air horn works quite 
well in deterring moose. 

I also disagree completely with Mr. Vogel's statement, "Anchorage is a city, 
not a wildlife theme park. Citizens should be able to go to the park without 
fear of bodily injury." We should be honored to be able to live and play in 
such a beautiful and vibrant city, but with this privilege comes responsibility. 
A responsible person should realize that we share this with wildlife. If Mr. 
Vogel doesn't like sharing the trails with wildlife, maybe he should move to 
Michigan to ski. We'd all be safer.

-- Darrel T. Hamel

Eagle River




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