UPDATED: Moose tranquilized, transported to wildlife area
FARGO - A moose on the loose in south Fargo has been tranquilized and is being transported to the Brewer Lake Wildlife Management Area near Erie in northeeastern Cass County.
The bull moose, approximately 1 to 2 years old, was hanging out in a grassy courtyard area between MainStay Suites and Sleep Inn near 45th Street South and 19th Avenue.
The first report of the moose in Fargo city limits came at 5:43 this morning when a caller at Petro, just to the west of the hotels, tipped off authorities.
The police called upon the Red River Zoo and Valley Veterinarian Clinic for help, Fargo Police Sgt. Jason Nelson said.
A veterinarian shot the moose with one tranquilizer dart, then had to use another about 20 minutes later to fully subdue the bull. The animal was rolled onto a tarp and lifted into a livestock trailer for transport.
Several trucks and police vehicles have also arrived on scene to form a barrier to prevent the moose from leaving the area.
The moose was contained in the area by police, who cleared the area of people.
Doug Leier, a North Dakota Game and Fish Department biologist, said it was a "textbook" handling of the situation with the best outcome officials could have hoped for. He estimated the moose weighs about 1,000 pounds and is two-and-a-half to three-and-a-half years old.
