ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — For a moment, Christmas appeared to come early to a neighbourhood in St. John's, N.L.
The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary reported Thursday that they were called to a neighbourhood in the city just before midnight Wednesday to respond to an animal complaint.
Sgt. Ed Billard said staff at an ambulance centre called to say they spotted two moose wandering through backyards in a residential area around Oxen Pond Road.
It was then that Billard decided to have a little holiday fun with it, saying in a release that officers were dispatched to tend to some wayward reindeer.
"It was just a bit of levity in the report for the kids," he said with a laugh. "There was a little bit of tongue in cheek with that."
Billard said police and conservation officers responded to the call, helping corral and guide the moose back into a wooded area, adding that "they haven't been seen since."
He said moose calls are a common occurrence in the city, with police usually getting a call every week.
Billard said at this time of year it's not unusual for the force to engage in a little yuletide humour.
"You might even see someone put out a sled sighting in the next couple of days," he joked.