Trash-eating moose on the rise in Alaska

ANCHORAGE, Alaska, April 6 (UPI) -- Alaskans could soon be hit with bigger fines for not doing their part to keep moose out of their trash if state natural resources officials have their way.

Moose in the Anchorage area, in particular, appear to have gotten into the habit of foraging through people's trash for food in recent years, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game said.

"Moose aren't naturally inclined to eat out of garbage cans, but if they're around people enough, they'll learn to get into them," biologist Rick Sinnott told the Anchorage Daily News Sunday.

Experts have also cited concerns about moose ingesting plastic bags and other garbage as they graze city trash cans.

Fish and Game and the Department of Public Safety called on the Alaska Supreme Court to raise the $100 fine for feeding moose, bears and other animals to $300, enforcement specialist Al Cain said. The higher fine could be put in place this month, the report said.