In a recent incident, a Canadian man alleges that he was terminated from his position after coming to the aid of a moose calf in the presence of a black bear.
Mark Skage, employed as a fuel supplier at AFD Petroleum Inc., shared on Facebook that while returning from a job in British Columbia, he discovered the young moose alone on the highway.
Observing a black bear nearby, approximately 50 yards away, he decided to ensure the animal’s safety by placing it, affectionately named Misty, in the passenger seat of his truck.
Skage explained that he couldn’t simply abandon Misty as she attempted to enter his work truck. Consequently, he communicated with his supervisor and the Conservation Officer Service, successfully orchestrating the moose’s rescue.
Misty finds refuge at a wildlife rehabilitation center, awaiting the day she can be reintroduced into her natural habitat.
However, Skage’s account didn’t end there. He asserted that his employer deemed his actions “in severe violation of their wildlife policies” and subsequently terminated his employment.
Spilling fuel on the ground is OK with the company, but helping wildlife will cost you your job.
Skage’s motivation to assist the moose stemmed from his understanding that bears frequently target them. People can say all they want. I know outdoors people are always conscience of controlling predators while protecting wildlife.
Alaska Department of Fish and Game states that black bears are the most dangerous to moose calves if grizzly bears are not numerous in the region. Black bears account for approximately 40 percent of all moose calf mortalities.
AFD Petroleum Inc. defended its decision to dismiss Skage, maintaining that his conduct violated the company’s protocols.
In a statement to CBC, AFD Petroleum President Dale Reimer stated that Skage should have notified a qualified conservation officer and allowed them to handle the situation and care for the calf. Skage decided instead to drive the uninjured moose calf for several hours in his company vehicle.
Reimer emphasized the potential risks to Skage, other motorists, and the moose, suggesting that the impromptu transport may have caused distress or harm to the animal.
