Department of Wildlife Resources Euthanizes Struggling Moose Near Narrows
By The Ogden Valley News Staff - 25 September 2026
A warning message circulated across Facebook on the morning of Sunday, September 13, advising the community to “Drive carefully and be aware. There is a bull moose at the Narrows near the dam keeper’s house.” Spectators maintained their distance while observing the animal cross Highway 158. The moose made several unsuccessful attempts to ascend the steep mountainside, visibly struggling with mobility and appearing to have trouble with its vision.
Utah Highway Patrol troopers and Weber County Sheriff’s deputies arrived near the dam around 12:30 p.m. to monitor the situation, followed by Department of Wildlife Resources game wardens who arrived at 2:00 p.m. Observers noted the ailing animal repeatedly stepping into the active traffic lanes, creating a hazardous environment for both the moose and passing motorists.
Witness Amy Love Martin described the scene in a post, stating, “He had just tried climbing up the steep mountainside and couldn’t make it. He seemed really thirsty and tired. He went to this side of the road to rest up. He was stressed.”
By The Ogden Valley News Staff - 25 September 2026
A warning message circulated across Facebook on the morning of Sunday, September 13, advising the community to “Drive carefully and be aware. There is a bull moose at the Narrows near the dam keeper’s house.” Spectators maintained their distance while observing the animal cross Highway 158. The moose made several unsuccessful attempts to ascend the steep mountainside, visibly struggling with mobility and appearing to have trouble with its vision.
Utah Highway Patrol troopers and Weber County Sheriff’s deputies arrived near the dam around 12:30 p.m. to monitor the situation, followed by Department of Wildlife Resources game wardens who arrived at 2:00 p.m. Observers noted the ailing animal repeatedly stepping into the active traffic lanes, creating a hazardous environment for both the moose and passing motorists.
Witness Amy Love Martin described the scene in a post, stating, “He had just tried climbing up the steep mountainside and couldn’t make it. He seemed really thirsty and tired. He went to this side of the road to rest up. He was stressed.”
Pictured above is the distressed bull moose near Pineview Dam September 13 taken by Amy Love Martin. (click to enlarge)
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After assessing the animal's deteriorating condition and dangerous proximity to the roadway, authorities decided to euthanize the moose. The action prompted debate among observers and the community, leading people to ask the question, “Why didn’t you tranquilize it and move it?”
Faith Jolley of the Department of Wildlife Resources addressed the public's concerns, explaining that scenarios to relocate an animal are based on its health and ability to be moved to a new habitat. Because the bull moose really did not seem to be doing well and continued to walk into traffic, relocation proved unviable due to the condition of the animal. Following the euthanasia, officials removed the animal's head for testing and donated the meat.
With moose entering their rutting season, wildlife officials urge the public to exercise intense caution. Physical warning signs that a moose may become aggressive include lowering their head, hair standing up on the neck, licking their snout, and pinning their ears back.
If residents encounter a moose, authorities advise always giving the animal ample space and monitoring its behavior. People should never try to approach or feed a moose. Furthermore, owners must keep dogs always leashed and under control, as it is against Utah law to allow dogs to chase or harass protected hoofed wildlife, like moose.
If confronted by a moose, individuals should stay calm and do not run away. Experts advise people to talk, make their presence known, and slowly back away in the direction they came. If a moose charges or chases someone, they should hide behind something solid, like a tree, or try to get inside a vehicle or building. If a moose knocks a person down, the victim should curl into a ball, protect their head, and lie still until the moose retreats.
For more moose safety tips, residents can visit https://www.wildawareutah.org/wildlife/moose/. Officials extended a thank you to all who submitted photos of the bull moose to assist in monitoring the situation.
Faith Jolley of the Department of Wildlife Resources addressed the public's concerns, explaining that scenarios to relocate an animal are based on its health and ability to be moved to a new habitat. Because the bull moose really did not seem to be doing well and continued to walk into traffic, relocation proved unviable due to the condition of the animal. Following the euthanasia, officials removed the animal's head for testing and donated the meat.
With moose entering their rutting season, wildlife officials urge the public to exercise intense caution. Physical warning signs that a moose may become aggressive include lowering their head, hair standing up on the neck, licking their snout, and pinning their ears back.
If residents encounter a moose, authorities advise always giving the animal ample space and monitoring its behavior. People should never try to approach or feed a moose. Furthermore, owners must keep dogs always leashed and under control, as it is against Utah law to allow dogs to chase or harass protected hoofed wildlife, like moose.
If confronted by a moose, individuals should stay calm and do not run away. Experts advise people to talk, make their presence known, and slowly back away in the direction they came. If a moose charges or chases someone, they should hide behind something solid, like a tree, or try to get inside a vehicle or building. If a moose knocks a person down, the victim should curl into a ball, protect their head, and lie still until the moose retreats.
For more moose safety tips, residents can visit https://www.wildawareutah.org/wildlife/moose/. Officials extended a thank you to all who submitted photos of the bull moose to assist in monitoring the situation.