A MOOSE

Hokitika Guardian, 1 April 1932, Page 7

A MOOSE

UNUSUAL SIGHT

SURPRISE FOR. SETTLERS

INVERCARGILL, March 29. Three young men, when looking for cattle on the edge of the bush on Mr Lionel Galt’s property at Papatotara, near Tuatapere, were astonished K> see what at first they thought was an exceptionally large deer with peculiar antlers coining towards them across the open swamp. The animal, on closer view, proved to be a moose, wiircii had evidently wandered a long way from its usual haunts, The animal made for the bush and has not been seen since, but Ranger Smith, who wag in the vicinity next day, wag. convinced that the animal was a moose from tne description given and from the hoof marks he examined. These were six and a quarter inches long and four and U' quarter inches wide. It is stated that the moose was about forty miles from where a herd is believed to be. It was in 1910 that the Southland Acclimatisation Society released moose in the fiord country. The animals came from the north-eastern coast of America and, from reports received from time to time by the society, it was evident that they were finding their ne\>; habitat congenial. A big increase in the number of tracks seen was reported and at times the animals themselves were observed. The distinction of securing the first moose head ever obtained in New Zaftlftpd and possibly in the southern hemisphere was gained by Mr E. J. Herrick, of Hastings, wlio in 1929, in company with Mr J. Muir, of Hnwea Flat, epent five weeks at the head of Dusky Sound.