Adventure Motorcyclist Attacked by Moose On Ontario Backroad
Dutch motorcycle rider Henri Kretschmer learned a valuable lesson about respecting the power of the largest deer species in the world after a violent encounter on a Canadian backroad.
The motorcycle adventurer arrived in Halifax, Nova Scotia on May 21st where he embarked on a massive journey which will take him overland all the way to the southern tip of South America.
Two days ago while traveling on dirt road in Ontario, Kretschmer encountered a moose trotting in the same direction of his travel. Rather than pulling over and respecting the moose’s personal space, he unwisely kept pace with the animal. In a split second the moose did an about-face and charged Kretschmer, knocking him off his Yamaha XT600 Ténéré rally-inspired adventure motorcycle.
The moose then stood beside the road observing Kretschmer as he stood the bike up before charging once again. Kretschmer dove into the brush and hid behind a tree until the moose lost interest.
Thankfully the Kretschmer rode away relatively unscathed from the attack but he was very fortunate in doing so as moose attack can inflict serious bodily injury and death. Remember he number one rule to staying safe in moose country is to give them plenty of space.
Glad this European adventurer learned a valuable lesson about moose safety without requiring a trip to the hospital and we wish him well on his trip to Ushuaia, Argentina. Learn more about moose safety from Park Canada below.
Parks Canada Moose Safety Guidelines:
Moose may look tame, but they are not. They have been known to charge people and vehicles and can attack with their hooves.
- Cow moose are most dangerous during calving season (mid-May to the end of June)
- Bull moose can be more aggressive during mating season (mid-September to the end of December)
- In late winter, moose may be reluctant to leave the road or trail and may defend their space aggressively
Watch for moose while driving
Moose commonly run across the road and sometimes stand in the middle of it. They can be very hard to see, especially at dusk or if they are not facing you. Avoid a collision: scan the roadside for wildlife, drive within the posted speed limit, and avoid driving after dusk.
Stay at least 3 bus lengths away (30 m / 100 ft), whether driving or on foot. On the trail, wait for the moose to leave, take a wider detour if necessary and always keep a tree or other large obstacle between you and the moose.
Moose encouters
Signs of an aggressive moose
- Ears pinned back
- Hair on neck raised
- Mouth smacking and licking
- Foot stomping
- Swaying head
- Short charges
If a moose charges
- Find protection and get behind it
- Trees or large rocks can serve as a barrier
- If you get knocked down by a moose, curl up into a ball and protect your head and neck
- Report encounters with agitated or aggressive moose immediately to Parks Canada staff or call 1‑877‑852‑3100
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