Cow moose shot, killed in confrontation with angler in Bighorn National Forest

SHERIDAN (WNE) — On the morning of June 14, Wyoming Game and Fish Department personnel received a report that a cow moose had been shot in a confrontation with an angler on the North Tongue River in the Bighorn National Forest near Bear Lodge Resort. 

When game wardens responded, they found the moose deceased from her injuries.

The game wardens interviewed the angler who said he had encountered the moose at close range in thick willows. He fired multiple shots at the moose when she became agitated and charged him.

The wardens searched the surrounding area and found two young-of-the-year moose calves they believed the cow was defending. Because they could not survive without their mother, the calves were euthanized.

Moose spend significant time in riparian areas – the areas in and around rivers, streams and ponds. Outdoor recreationists should pay particular attention to their surroundings while in these areas, watching and listening for movement. 

Please report any conflicts with wildlife to the Game and Fish Sheridan Regional Office at 307-672-7418.