Why moose swam 24 miles puzzles officials

TRAENA, Norway, July 22 (UPI) -- Wildlife officials in Norway are trying to figure out why a moose jumped into the water and swam some 24 miles to a faraway island.

Moose can swim, but they are not known for swimming such long distances, reported Aftenposten Friday.

"The most important thing now, is that he's left in peace," Terje Bo, a wildlife official told Norwegian Broadcasting (NRK). "If he gets scared, he may start swimming further without wanting to."

Had the moose missed the small island of Traena, there was nothing left but open sea, according to the wildlife expert.