In a remarkable and heartwarming event, an Alberta woman recently spotted a young mother moose and her three newborn calves strolling through her neighborhood, capturing the rare sight on camera. The sighting took place in Didsbury, Alberta, about 80 kilometers north of Calgary, and left locals in awe of the unusual appearance. Randi Ingram, who witnessed the moose family from her backyard, shared her excitement with CBC News, saying, “Never three. I have never seen three in my entire life, and we are nature people.” According to Ingram, the moose babies, likely less than a week old, were born just behind her house.
She and her husband were overwhelmed by the cuteness and rarity of the moment. “Everyone down here is now on the lookout,” she added. The mother moose, who Ingram has been watching for the past three years, was herself a twin. Now, the sight of her with three calves has drawn attention from wildlife enthusiasts and experts alike. Chris Fisher, a wildlife biologist and author, confirmed how special the event was, explaining that while it’s common for moose to have twins, triplets are an unusual and rare occurrence. “It’s certainly not a common occurrence anywhere in Alberta, and a little surprising given that our winter was so long and so harsh,” Fisher noted.
The biologist suggested that the mother moose likely found high-quality food and shelter throughout the tough winter, allowing her to carry and care for her triplets. In recent years, moose have been moving from their typical forested habitats into prairie regions like Didsbury, where they can access better food sources. Didsbury has become a transitional area for moose, offering a mix of natural and human-altered environments that work in their favor. Ingram, who caught the moment on her phone, is content to observe the new moose family from a distance. “Oh my gosh, you should see the wildlife we have back here,” she shared, mentioning other animals like foxes and mule deer that frequent her neighborhood.
However, she also offered a word of caution for other wildlife enthusiasts, advising them to stay far away from a mother moose and her babies, especially a young mother. “If you have a dog, that makes it even worse. Try and be very, very cautious around them,” she warned, highlighting the importance of maintaining a safe distance while observing these magnificent creatures. This rare sighting serves as a reminder of the beauty and unpredictability of nature, particularly when it comes to Alberta’s resilient wildlife. While triplet moose may be uncommon, the sight of this family thriving in Didsbury brings a sense of wonder to the community.