Hokey Smokes! Moose on the Loose in Aspen Hill

A moose was spotted in Aspen Hill last week, making this one of the southernmost sightings of a moose on the east coast and a first for Montgomery County.

According to the Maryland Depart of Game and Fish, there have been more than a dozen confirmed sightings of moose in Maryland the last 10 years. Last year there were multiple reports of sightings in Washington and Frederick counties.

Moose habitat is abundant in western Pennsylvania, where the closest large herds of wild moose can be found. “They wander into western Maryland as they look for new habitat and breeding opportunities,” said Hector J. Peabody, Game and Fish Director.

“I was on the back porch for a wake-n-bake and it freaked the fuck out of me,” said Barbera Greg of Aspen Hill, who managed to snap a picture the 11-foot tall moose standing at the edge of her yard despite the fresh buzz. 

Greg’s home on Crispin Way backs to Rock Creek, which Game and Fish trackers say the moose has been following downstream. Tracking began last year when the moose passed into Frederick County and Game and Fish contracted with Pottsylvania-based Sherman Animal Services.

“Moose are unprotected animals in Maryland, meaning it is legal to hunt them. That’s why this moose has an escort,” quipped Boris Badenov, one of the Sherman animal trackers.

Experts say the moose will soon veer back north as temperatures rise. “It’s all up to him. It doesn’t matter how many times I try and pull a rabbit out of my hat, only the moose decides,” said tracker Natasha Fatale.

Tune in next time to learn about the moose’s latest position.