POCATELLO — Two moose paid a visit to a northwest Pocatello area father and son Friday morning.

The moose were captured in photographs and on video working their way through gated pastures in the area of Philbin and West Wallin roads around 9:30 a.m. Friday morning as the pair were preparing to head to the ICCU Dome for School District 25 graduation events.

“We just were leaving our house and there were two moose in this fenced in pasture and they weren’t quite sure how to get out of it, because no gates were open, and they’re not that great of jumpers, so it was kind of a unique experience,” witness Brady Anderson told the Idaho State Journal late Friday morning. “Once they got out they just walked down the middle of Philbin Road, and we watched them look a little confused and sort of distraught.”

According to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, the spotting of these two moose is not unusual for that area.

“We did get a call this morning about two moose that are in an area where we’ve seen moose before,” said Idaho Department of Fish and Game Southeast Regional Communications Manager Jennifer Jackson. “There’s quite a bit of moose habitat — including water and vegetation — all throughout the area west of Wallin Road and Philbin Road, so occasionally we will get calls about moose sightings in that neck of the woods or that area of our community.”

Jackson said a Fish and Game field officer is monitoring the moose, but isn’t taking any further action at this time.

“We typically don’t like to push or create more of an issue, so a lot of times, if we just keep an eye on them, they eventually work their way back where they came from, and there’s not an issue,” she said. “So far today, we’ve only had that one call. We do have an officer that’s keeping an eye on the situation, and if their behavior changes or they get into a situation that is more difficult for them or a concern for public safety, we will absolutely step in.”

Jackson also issued a reminder to local residents to remember the following safety tips if they see or encounter a moose:

— Never approach or attempt to touch a moose.

— Keep your distance. Moose are unpredictable and may charge if they feel threatened.

— Keep pets on a leash to avoid provoking a defensive reaction.

— Be especially cautious around cows with calves, as they are protective of their young.

— Never feed a moose or any other wild animal. Wildlife that becomes accustomed to human-provided food can pose serious safety risks.

In situations involving human-wildlife interactions, Fish and Game always prioritizes public safety. The Department also prefers to allow wildlife to leave urban areas and return to natural habitats on their own whenever possible.