Moose on the loose in James White Park?

Those signs have been up since the beginning of the summer and I've biked through numerous times without seeing anything.

Every single time you go for a walk or jog or bike ride in that park or anywhere else in the bush, you have a good chance of coming across deer, bear or moose...it should be obvious to everybody...the wildlife is always there, you just don't always see it. Signs or warnings are essentially useless, just use common sense and be prepared to confront the unexpected, but know that you can never be guaranteed safe passage.

[quote=tripod123] My first question is why on Earth isn't there a sign on BOTH entrances if there is a dangerous animal in the park?!? It's not a comforting feeling to see that sign on our way OUT of the park when I'm there with my whole family including our young son. Secondly, since I haven't biked in this area for a while, I wonder if the sign is an older one or has anyone actually seen a moose with a calf there recently? We saw a City truck when we went by both entrances and I really hope they weren't just placing the sign first thing this morning after they saw us because I'd like to think they'd warn us first.
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Why is it people think their personal safety is somebody else's responsibility?

I agree that there is a chance of running into wildlife EVERYWHERE in Fernie at ANYTIME and it is our responsibility to be alert and always aware. I do however think the city has a certain responsibility to keep signage current - if they put them up, they should take them down once if the animal has moved on - or more appropriately - their signage should reflect the simple fact that there are animals all around us and we need to be aware of this fact at all times. And yes the signage should be at every entrance - including the ones that can be hiked and biked into the park!

[quote=roxygirl]I agree that there is a chance of running into wildlife EVERYWHERE in Fernie at ANYTIME and it is our responsibility to be alert and always aware. I do however think the city has a certain responsibility to keep signage current - if they put them up, they should take them down once if the animal has moved on - or more appropriately - their signage should reflect the simple fact that there are animals all around us and we need to be aware of this fact at all times. And yes the signage should be at every entrance - including the ones that can be hiked and biked into the park![/quote]

Just a permanent sign at the entrance warning people to be aware at all times would be more appropriate, although that should be common sense for anybody. How the hell can you keep signage current, how would you know when the animal is gone, or if it leaves for a while and returns? And who is going to keep track of that?

Obviously we should all assume that we might come across wildlife anywhere in town - I have had many deer and moose run right across my front lawn which is quite close to the highway here in West Fernie (away from the river and from the hills). I'm not stupid enough to not assume that. I was just wondering if someone had actually heard that a moose was staying in that park because in previous years, moose come into the parks and stay there for a while then move on. I've seen these signs go up before and then come down. I biked in James White Park in early July and hadn't seen the sign then, so I just wanted to know if anyone had any more information so I could make an informed decision on where to bike with my family including my dogs. I haven't seen those signs around the duck pond, so, although I may come across wildlife there, I assume there isn't any "dangerous" wildlife making its home there for the time being.

I would like to think that the citizens of this town would be able to keep track of a large animal in a park - by noticing it in the first place and informing authorities like a conservation officer. It is in the animal's best interest that people are informed about its whereabouts in local parks so we can stay away and give it the space it needs so everyone can be safe. Aren't we all supposed to be looking out for each other? I was going to post this on the wildlife sightings board, but it didn't seem as active as this one, so thought I'd try here. I didn't realize I'd get people so upset about a simple question.

Whoever put the sign up felt that our safety was their responsibility. I'm grateful for that and was just hoping for more info - not a debate.