Two men could face up to a year in jail and $100,000 after riding a swimming moose
The video was filmed a year ago but now conservation officers have taken action
TWO men are facing a fine of up to $100,000 and a year in jail, after they were charged in the wake of following a swimming moose and then trying to ride it.
The video was made a year ago and went viral.
Conservation officers looked at the clip, which shows the animal being chased by the speedboat, and then one of the party jumping on the animals back.
The moose, which was filmed in a lake in the northern Rocky Mountains Provincial Park, Canada, can be heard groaning, while his passenger laughs and fist pumps, as the boat party shout and whoop.
One can be heard saying: “I’ve never seen something so awesome!”
Two of the party were charged under the Wildlife Act.
Andrew Riddell , conservation officer told the : “It was very disturbing to see the stress level of the moose, with the males laughing and enjoying themselves.
“They’re very fortunate that moose didn’t turn around and defend itself.
“They’re very large animals, and they’re full of muscle.”
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Jaysun Pinkerton and Bradley Crook of Fort St. John, B.C, were charged with hunting big game that is swimming – which is an unfair hunt, harassing wildlife with a boat and attempting to capture wildlife.
They are facing up to $100,000 fines for each charge and up to a year in jail. However, because they are first-time offenders, they will probably not get such tough penalties.
Steve Wolfe, who is a lifelong hunter said the men weren’t being respectful: “One of the core principles in the teachings of hunting is respect for the animal and the habitat.”
He added: “This isn’t how a hunter or trapper or somebody who respects the outdoors would interact with wildlife.”
