Moose-riding stunt under investigation

A video of a man riding on the back of a moose in a B.C. lake has caught the attention of the B.C. Conservation Officer Service.

In the video, posted to YouTube on Saturday, a cow moose is seen being chased by a motorboat while trying to cross the lake. The lead man on the boat then jumps on the swimming animal’s back and rides it for nearly 20 seconds before being thrown off. The moose groans during the ordeal, while the man’s companions on the boat are heard laughing and cheering.

Sgt. David Vince, a conservation officer in B.C.’s North Peace Region, believes the footage was shot on Tuchodi Lakes in the Northern Rocky Mountain Provincial Park sometime last fall.

“The weather conditions are consistent with last fall,” he said.

“It could have been shot this spring, but you don’t see too many people jumping into a glacier-fed lake (in the springtime).”

The aquatic rodeo ride should earn the man a charge for harassing wildlife.

“It’s an offence under the Wildlife Act. In this particular case, we have really good evidence with the video and it’s something we will pursue through the Crown ... rather than just issue a ticket and walk away,” said Vince. “We have to send a message that this behaviour is not welcomed. The animal certainly did not welcome it. You could tell it was in distress. … It was a dangerous stunt for both the man and the animal.”

Harassment of wildlife carries a minimum fine of $345 and a maximum of $100,000.

Vince is hoping the publicity will assist in the investigation.

“One thing about the media, this thing is all over the place now. I’m getting calls from Australia,” he said.

“We already have some leads and we are following up on those leads.”