OPINION: Wildlife at UI should be respected  

With the recent spotting of moose on campus, named Regina and Louie by Vandal Security, the topic of wildlife and how students should interact with it has been raised. While moose can be harmless, they are still wild animals. A mother with a calf tends to be especially aggressive if they feel they or their calf is threatened.  

Regina and Louie stayed on the admin lawn and Hello Walk for about a week, which is a frequently traveled area for many students. Vandal Security and police were always stationed a few feet from the moose to ensure people did not get too close to them.  

However, many students still tried to take pictures or even pet the moose. While no attacks or incidents occurred, the University of Idaho still issued an email to all students and staff with a subject line stating, “Keep your distance from the moose.” 

“While seeing a moose can be exciting, remember they are wild animals and are unpredictable,” the email said. “It is tempting to want to get as close as possible or to stop your vehicle in the street to capture a photo. However, you should refrain from doing so. Give wild animals plenty of space.” 

UI is a campus that is surrounded by nature and wild animals. While these animals may seem exciting, it’s important to give them their space. Not only can they harm people, people can be harmful to them, and domesticating wild animals can be detrimental to their lives.  

In the case of the moose, being around people for so long could have inadvertently domesticated them and adjusted them to people. They are still animals that should be out in nature with very little interaction with humans. While the moose were docile, it could be a sign that they are already too used to being around people and they will continue to try to do so.  

Wildlife can be beautiful and great to experience on campus but keeping a distance from them is vital for safety. Nature can be appreciated from a distance without the risks that come with getting close. The moose and other animal wildlife should be left alone. 

Andrea Roberts can be reached at arg-opinion@uidaho.edu.