Lights, Camera, Moose: Unusual Visitor Spotted in Alaskan Movie Theater

In a Nutshell:

• A curious moose wandered into a movie theater in Kenai, Alaska on April 19, and was caught on camera enjoying some popcorn and leftover food from the trash.
• The moose likely entered the theater in search of food, as the buttery smell of popping corn was too tempting to resist.
• While the incident was amusing to onlookers, it’s important to remember that moose can be dangerous if approached. Feeding them is illegal in Alaska, as it can lead to aggressive behavior and potentially result in injuries or even death.

A movie theater in Kenai, Alaska had an unexpected guest when a moose strolled in to have a look around.

The curious creature sauntered into the lobby, much to the surprise of theater workers, and even helped itself to some popcorn and remnants of a McDonald’s Happy Meal from the garbage.

“I do not know if a Happy Meal is good for a moose or not. However, I can confidently say that it’s not in its natural diet,” said Nick Fowler, a wildlife biologist with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

Videos captured by a worker behind the counter and uploaded to TikTok show the moose sheepishly exiting the theater with the McDonald’s meal box still on its snout.

“She was behind the counter. She wasn’t in immediate danger from the moose,” theater manager Ricky Black told the Alaska Daily News of the employee. “And she’s like, ‘Stop laughing. This is serious.’”

Moose are the largest species of deer, with antlers that can be up to 6 feet, 6 inches across, and they can weigh between 1,000 and 1,400 pounds. Despite their imposing size, they are usually docile and tend to avoid humans.

But as Fowler explains, feeding them can cause them to become aggressive, which could result in injuries to humans and even the moose itself being put down.

According to Fowler, it’s important not to approach wildlife and to keep a safe distance to avoid negative interactions.

“The best thing we can almost always do [in situations like this] is make sure there’s plenty of distance, and we’re not approaching the animal,” Fowler said. “You can get injured by by any wildlife.

“And it’s important not to assume that a younger animal that maybe is displaying what someone decides is not aggressive behavior isn’t going to be involved in a negative human wildlife interaction.”

The moose likely entered the theater looking for food, having been drawn in by the buttery aroma of popping corn.

“It definitely could smell that popcorn,” Black told the Anchorage Daily News.

Moose attacks are surprisingly common, with more people being attacked by moose than by bears and wolves combined worldwide.

If you find yourself in a moose’s crosshairs, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game recommends getting behind something solid to block a moose charge, and if knocked over by the moose, curling up into a ball and protecting your head with your hands in case they begin to stomp or kick.

While the incident may have been amusing, it’s a reminder to treat wild animals with respect and keep a safe distance to avoid negative interactions. As for the moose, it’s safe to say it won’t be buying any movie tickets anytime soon.

@brekkinsproul #kenaipeninsula #comingattractions #mcdonalds #work #moose #worldstar #kenaicinema @worldstar @mcdonalds_br @wildlife.tv @tiktoktrends #fypシ ♬ original sound – BIG DADDY B

Source: Newsweek