Santa Fe authorities capture moose that wandered through downtown
The moose, estimated to be 4 to 5 years old, was relocated to northern NM
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A wandering bull moose was captured in downtown Santa Fe and relocated to a suitable habitat in northern New Mexico, authorities said Tuesday.
State Game and Fish officials and Animal Service Officers for the city said the moose was spotted around 8 a.m. near Fort Marcy Park.
Officers set up a perimeter to protect residents and pedestrians in the park, which is a popular walking area.
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A large male moose eats in the woods on Aug. 23, 2016, near Walden, Colorado. A moose spotted near downtown Santa Fe has been relocated to a suitable habitat in northern New Mexico. (Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
Authorities said a bull moose can be aggressive toward humans and pets, especially during the breeding season, which begins in late September.
The moose was sedated with a tranquilizer dart and loaded onto a trailer before being evaluated by a Game and Fish Department veterinarian and determined to be in good health.
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Department biologists estimate the moose weighed over 900 pounds and was 4 to 5 years old.
Game and Fish officials said moose are a protected game animal in New Mexico and there is not an open hunting season for them.