Large Moose Walks Through MA Elementary School Morning Drop Off

RUTLAND, MA — A Massachusetts elementary school had a special moose visitor to the morning drop-off line Monday, local police confirmed on Facebook.

A photo shared by the Rutland, Massachusetts Police Department shows a large moose up close to what appears to be an entrance to Naquag Elementary School.

Just behind the moose is a line of cars, and behind them, a parking lot with a man standing getting out of his car.

The moose has since left the area, police said just before 9 a.m.

According to the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, moose have few natural predators due to their large size and strength and may "exhibit bold behavior toward people."

"Never try to approach or pursue a moose," officials wrote on the state's official website. "Pursuit not only stresses the animal, but it adds the risk of having a moose chased out into traffic or into a group of bystanders. Wildlife professionals recommend letting the moose find its way out of populated areas and into nearby forested areas."

Officials recommend that anyone who spots a moose in a densely populated area contact the nearest MassWildlife District Office or the Environmental Police to report the sighting and get advice. The Environmental Police Radio Room can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1 (800) 632-8075.