UPDATE: The Maine Warden Service says it is investigating the incident and the New Hampshire couple could face charges if it is determined they followed the animal. The misdemeanor charge of wildlife harassment carries a maximum fine of $500.

This past Friday a New Hampshire couple were attacked by a moose while riding a trail near Jackman.

The couple who average between 3,000 and 5,000 miles a year on a snowmobile had seen moose on the trails in the past but have never been confronted by one.

In the video you can see Bob Powell following the moose on his snowmobile when the big beast finally had enough and turns to confront what he saw as a threat.  Powell got off his machine and the moose butted him in the back before finally being chased off by a pistol shot fired into the air by his wife.

Maine Game Wardens investigated the incident later and found blood along with "fully engorged ticks" in the snow where the moose had been, leading investigators to believe that the moose was likely agitated before the snowmobile showed up.

What do you think?  Should the Powells had let the moose wander off before following it with their machines?  Or, was it just a freak incident of nature?

 

 

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