The Alberta government is warning motorists of a regional hazard for the winter season: moose that want to lick cars. 

It has even gone so far as to issue a news release as car-licking season begins, noting that “the recommended moose viewing distance is 30 metres.” 

The moose are apparently drawn to the parking lots of Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, about 130 kilometres southwest of Calgary, because they crave road salt that can be found spattered on the sides of vehicles parked there. 

People who find their cars on the wrong end of a moose tongue are urged to “use your car horn or your remote door alarm if you need to regain control of your vehicle. 

“Do not attempt to push moose away from your vehicle while on foot,” the statement helpfully adds. 

Canadian male moose typically weigh between 450 and 500 kg, while females run between 340 and 420 kg.