Moose on the lam

A Prince George RCMP officer is recuperating following a wild Thursday morning run-in.

Just before 1 a.m., the officer was parked roadside near the corner of 17th Avenue and Juniper Street typing a report when he observed two moose crossing the intersection.

The officer put his vehicle in gear and attempted to intercept a vehicle travelling towards the animals.

But, not sensing the officer's intention to help, the bull moose went on the offensive as the police vehicle neared the animals.

The moose first broke the front grill and bumper, then stepped on to the vehicle, denting the hood, roof and breaking the windshield.

Once on the roof, the moose continued to stomp and kick before one of its hoofs slid off the roof and broke the driver's side window, striking the officer inside in the process.

The animal continued down the back of the vehicle, on to the trunk and eventually off to the ground.

"Both the culprit and accomplice departed the area on hoof," said RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Craig Douglass.

The officer suffered bruising on his left shoulder, but did not require medical attention and was able to complete his shift.

The RCMP would like to remind the public to keep a safe distance from wild animals.

"Although they are likely more scared of people than we are of them, we believe our officer would disagree," Douglass said.