Many road signs around the world amuse and bemuse motorists. The latest to raise smiles and possibly bewilderment are in Canada. Transport authorities in the town of Jasper have erected electronic signs to warn drivers not to let moose lick their cars. Moose are the largest members of the deer family and are native to Canada. They are a frequent sight on roads. An addiction to salt has led them to sate their need by licking cars. Vehicles are splashed with road salt. It is common to see moose licking salt on the roads, but they have now developed a taste for licking it off cars.
A spokesperson explained why the salt licking was a problem. He warned that the moose's addiction could be fatal. He said the behaviour started a few years ago and now is common. He said: "It's perpetuated by the moose's obsession with salt." A tour operator said: "This road salt is kind of like a drug for the moose." The salt habit poses additional dangers for the moose. Cars are usually covered with a whole host of harmful chemicals. In addition, moose are vulnerable to pneumonia. Licking car surfaces could increase the risk of spreading disease.