Gander RCMP have launched an active investigation into an act of animal cruelty after a video surfaced on social media of a moose being chased down by a vehicle in the Gander area.

The public is reacting with shock and outrage after the video was shared on social media.

The heavy accumulations on the Avalon Peninsula are driving moose onto roadways with video of at least one frightened animal being chased on a road.

The big creatures have been making their way onto roadways and into communities to get a break from the steep snow and are reluctant to get back into the woods.

At least a few moose sightings have even been reported in the capital city’s downtown.

Video currently in circulation shows at least one animal being chased by vehicles.

The Department of Fisheries and Land Resources says like people, moose will take the “path of least resistance” and are prone to using roadways and snowmobile tracks to get around.

The department is asking people to give moose the right of way, and back away from any area where they may encounter a moose until the animal has moved away.

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact the RCMP at 722-5400 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.