Manitoba Conservation believes a moose that was spotted on several occasions in Steinbach this week has moved on. Provincial Big Game Manager Ken Rebizant says conservation officers and RCMP could not locate the animal and, based on the last sightings around 6:30 a.m. , think it has gone south of Steinbach.

We first heard about the roaming moose at 6:30 a.m. Thursday when Sean Walsh called to say he spotted the animal crossing Mckenzie Avenue near Steinbach Regional Secondary School.

"I saw it just by the regional school. My wife called police. Conservation is on the way. But it's a huge female moose. It walked right across the street (Mckenzie) about half a block before the SRSS."

We were also contacted by another resident of Steinbach who wishes to remain anonymous.

"I was travelling with my co-workers to work and at 6.10 a.m. on Mackenzie in front of the SRSS. We saw a Moose walking back and forth in front of the main entrance of the high school. We decided to stop to report it to 911, RCMP and Conservation."

Since then, we have heard from several people who have seen the moose at other locations in the city including Dustin Teichroeb who saw it Tuesday evening at Canadian Guide Rail along Hespeler Street.

Manitoba Conservation put out the following statement:

"Moose sightings in populated areas are ‘uncommon’. Although it does occur from time to time, usually in the fall (Sept/Oct) which coincides with moose breeding season (rut). During this time, moose are moving about more looking for mates and or driving off rivals. Although the information suggests in this instance the moose was female, usually, moose that wander into more populated areas are young bulls. Given time and space, they will likely move away on their own."

Moose in front of S.R.S.S at 6:10 a.m. Thursday.