Water scarcity drives young moose into Wheatland city limits

WHEATLAND (WNE) — Last week, a young moose was spotted north of Wheatland near Bob Ruwart Motors. The animal was clearly out of its territory and alone. 

Although Wyoming Game & Fish was the first agency to be alerted, the Wheatland Police Department was then notified and, working alongside Platte County’s undersheriff, a rescue ensued. 

“When undersheriff [Ward] McConahay and I arrived in the area, we located the moose in the grassy yard of the house just north of Laramie Peak Motors. From there, he (the moose) ended up in the tree/wetland area just north of Swanson Road. Game and Fish wardens and biologists responded, and the moose was tranquilized,” said Whatland Police Chief Brad Otte.

“With help from the Wheatland Volunteer Fire Department, Wyoming Game and Fish, Platte County Sheriff’s Department, and Wheatland Police Department, the moose was loaded into a trailer and given the reversal medication to wake him up,” said the chief. 

According to Otte, Game & Fish transported the moose to an unknown mountainous area, likely the Snowy Range mountains or the Sierra Madres, where it was released.

“We have noticed an increase in the wildlife population in town this year. The office has received calls about the deer in town wandering around,” Otte said. “We ask that people let the wild animals be and give them their space. We also ask that you keep your pets inside and do not let them chase the wildlife.”

“Most of the time, like the moose in this case, they are already under stress being in town and being around people,” he added. “They do not need people and pets chasing after them.” 

Law enforcement agencies and the Game & Fish encourage residents who spot wild animals to remain at a safe distance from them.

This story was published on July 1, 2026.