Mosk Shot Near Festival After Wandering Off Course
Animal put down following incursion into public event area
A muskox was fatally shot on Thursday in Oppdal after it strayed into a festival campsite. The animal had ventured significantly outside its typical territory, prompting intervention from wildlife authorities.
Wildlife Officials Intervene
The Norwegian Nature Inspectorate confirmed the incident. Tord Bretten from the agency stated, “She had stuck to the festival area.”
The authorities were alerted by festival attendees about the muskox’s presence.
Animal Defended Itself, Officials Say
The muskox was killed approximately 40 meters from a tent, according to Bretten. He reported that no individuals were injured during the event, but noted that the situation could have escalated given the number of people present.
“It had gotten stuck and it was extremely hot for a musk. If people come too close, it defends itself.”
Bretten explained that the animal was likely acting defensively due to the heat and proximity of people.
Routine Removal Protocol
Bretten elaborated that the standard procedure involves culling muskoxen that wander outside their designated zones to maintain population levels. The muskox is an Arctic species and considered an introduced species in Norway.
As of July 2024, there are approximately 4,000 muskoxen in Norway, primarily concentrated in the Dovrefjell mountain range. Their presence outside these areas, especially near human activity, is rare but requires management to prevent potential conflicts (WWF Norway).
The festival, Festival Festefest, had recently commenced in Oppdal when the muskox made its appearance.
