Moose it or Lose It!

A popular hiking trail in New York has been closed for over a month due to a tenacious bull moose that refuses to leave the area.

State officials took action on June 6, shutting down the Goodman Mountain Trailhead at Tupper Lake after large wildlife made themselves at home near the trail’s summit. This decision, made by the New York State Department of Environmental Protection, was necessary for public safety.

“The same moose remains around the trail and has exhibited unusual behavior,” said officials from the DEC in a recent statement.

Concerns reflect that this particular moose is suspected to be ill, as it shows no inclination to move away from the trail despite multiple efforts to guide it off.

While the creature, sometimes referred to as Herculean Beast, can weigh up to 1,200 pounds and is about six feet tall, it hasn’t yet displayed aggressive behavior. However, officials advise caution, as any close encounters could be dangerous.

The first sighting of this massive moose occurred in May along the Horseshoe Lake Wild Forest trail. Local hiker Martha Killiam recounted her experience, noting the lack of other hikers when she first encountered the moose. “I returned a couple of weeks later, and he seemed more curious than anything,” she remarked.

The hiking trail will remain closed until it is deemed safe for public access again. Reports indicate that rangers are currently posted at the trailhead to deter visitors until the situation resolves.

Though sightings of moose in the Adirondacks during May and June are not uncommon, the prolonged stay of this particular moose is rather unusual.

“Often by the time hikers notice a moose, they’re already quite close, potentially too close,” warned local wildlife experts.

They emphasized that adult moose do not necessarily fear humans, and this misunderstanding could lead to hazardous situations. In 2018 alone, the government agency recorded around 600 to 700 moose sightings in the Adirondack region.