The 2015 Pan American Games are running an online vote until May 5 to choose their mascot. The six finalists, selected from 4,130 entries, are:

1) a Maple-leaf headed beaver	2) a moose	3) a multi-colour owl
4) a porcupine with multi-color quills	5) a raccoon	6) twins wearing hats

See more: Original finalist designs, prior to conversion to Pan Am colours and style by illustrator/animator James Caswell of Sheridan College.

Yes, you read that right. An intoxicated elk found himself up a tree with no way down... a situation only cats are supposed to find themselves in. [Newser.com]

According to Sweden's edition of The Local, the elk was grazing on fermenting apples that had fallen off the tree, and became a bit drunk; a common phenomenon. What happened next is anything but: the elk decided to eat the apples located higher up in the tree, and began to climb it. The majestic, antlered creature became entangled within the tree's limbs, and required assistance from rescuers to get back onto terra firma.

Salon reports that the USS Theodore Roosevelt, anchored in the North Arabian Sea, has its own mascot, Bully the Moose. "I put on the moose suit to spread cheer," says Lt. Cmdr. Terry Chauncey.

Two amusing stories off the newswire that I felt were worth sharing. Both from a week ago or so...



Moose Narrowly Escapes Halloween Goblins in Terror


Swingset Attacks Area Moose, Suffers Consequences

This article on Yahoo tells how a hunter in the Yukon Territory got the surprise of his life when shooting a moose which he thought was male. Upon further examination however, he learned this was NOT the case...

I can only wonder if this moose escaped from one of the MUCKs? :-)

CBS News reports that a 1500-lb bull moose decided to beat the heat by hopping into a Spokane family's back yard pool. Although the pool owner was startled, he did manage to snap a photo before the moose exited the pool and hopped over the fence to leave, presumably refreshed. You can see the photo here.