A truck driver in northern BC captured a remarkable moment on video when a mother moose and her baby caused traffic to come to a halt on the Yellowhead Highway. Rodney Pierre was entering Prince George on May 18 when he found himself at a standstill near a Canadian Tire and a Walmart. He was unaware of the moose until the traffic stopped completely. The calf, which appeared very young and unsteady on its legs, struggled to get over the concrete barrier separating the two sides of the highway while the mother persistently attempted to guide it over. Surprised by the situation, Pierre decided to record the encounter on his phone.
The video footage shows the mother moose on one side of the barrier and the calf on the other. The adult moose demonstrates how to jump over by going back and forth, seemingly teaching the calf. However, the calf either cannot or refuses to jump. Pierre encourages the little one from his truck, urging it to make the leap. Another driver who had pulled over attempted to shoo the baby moose off the road, causing the mother to quickly jump back to the calf’s side, possibly to protect it.
Pierre expresses concern for the driver who intervened, as mother moose are known to be highly protective and treat everyone as potential predators. Eventually, the two moose make their way to the exit lane and leave the highway, retracing their path.
The encounter highlights the remarkable and often unpredictable behavior of wildlife. It serves as a reminder of the need to exercise caution and respect when encountering animals in their natural habitats.