Moose calf tranquilized outside Winnipeg stadium before CFL game

Loose Moose released back into the wilderness Police confirmed Sunday the moose was tranquilized and safely transferred to a wilderness area north of the city.

WINNIPEG -- There's not much that can stop a football team, let alone two of them, but a roaming moose nearly delayed kickoff for the sold-out Banjo Bowl in Winnipeg on Saturday.

Winnipeg Police Const. Rob Carver says the calf was tranquilized outside Investors Group Field shortly before the game between the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the Saskatchewan Roughriders was scheduled to begin.

Carver says police had to block off routes to the stadium to keep fans from getting in the way as conservation staff attempted to corner and subdue the animal.

He says officials with the Blue Bombers were calling police wondering if they would have to delay the game.

Provincial government spokesman Paul White says a conservation officer estimates the male moose was about two years old.

White says the moose is on its way to a remote location outside the city.

Carver says police and wildlife officers began tracking the animal after getting calls that it was wandering around the Fort Garry neighbourhood on Friday evening.

It eluded capture, he says, and eventually disappeared until it suddenly showed up near the stadium on Saturday.

The team tweeted requests for fans to be patient, and careful, while routes to the field were blocked.