Wounded moose with calves euthanized

Idaho Fish and Game officers euthanized a bullet-wounded cow moose near Clearwater on Saturday, unable to stand after being in the same location for several days without adequate food or water. The cow was found with two yearling calves, which had stopped nursing, improving their chances of survival. The department's spokesperson, Jennifer Bruns, confirmed the cow had a shattered knee with bullet fragments lodged in the joint. Conservation officers made the difficult decision to put the animal down and salvaged its meat for a local family. The agency is actively investigating the illegal shooting, offering a $700 reward for information that leads to an arrest.

Moose hunting is regulated, and at the time of the incident, there was no open season for cow moose in Game Management Unit 15, where moose populations are low. This case underscores the importance of wildlife protection laws and the consequences of illegal hunting. The department's actions reflect a commitment to enforcing regulations and ensuring the welfare of wildlife in Idaho.