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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

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Dead moose near Harrison Lake prompts warning

A hiker scrambles up the granite talus above Harrison Lake in the Idaho Selkirk Mountains with Harrison Peak in the background. This popular backcountry destination in the upper Pack River drainage was recommended for wilderness designation by the Forest Service in the 1980s, but the draft management plan released by the Idaho Panhandle National Forests in 2011 does not include this area in wilderness recommendations.
 (Idaho Conservation League)
A hiker scrambles up the granite talus above Harrison Lake in the Idaho Selkirk Mountains with Harrison Peak in the background. This popular backcountry destination in the upper Pack River drainage was recommended for wilderness designation by the Forest Service in the 1980s, but the draft management plan released by the Idaho Panhandle National Forests in 2011 does not include this area in wilderness recommendations. (Idaho Conservation League)

WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS -- A fresh moose carcass was discovered TODAY along the Selkirk Crest’s popular Harrison Lake Trail prompting local Forest Service officials to issue a wildlife hazard warning.

No conflicts between humans and wildlife have been reported, but officials recommend that hikers choose another trail and avoid traveling within the vicinity of the carcass, which is likely to attract large carnivores.

The carcass is a half half mile from the trailhead and is likely to attract wildlife including predators such as grizzly bears and mountain lions.

It is unknown what caused the moose’s death, said Jason Kirchner of the Panhandle National Forests.

Info: Sandpoint Ranger District, (208) 263-5111.



Rich Landers
Rich Landers joined The Spokesman-Review in 1977. He is the Outdoors editor for the Sports Department writing and photographing stories about hiking, hunting, fishing, boating, conservation, nature and wildlife and related topics.

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