Two men have been fined $2,500 for harassing a moose out for swim in northwestern Ontario, local media report.

In July, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources was told about a boat that circled a cow moose in Eagle Lake west of Dryden, Ont., and prevented it from getting to shore, CKDRreports. Ministry officials were also given video footage.

Andrew Weiers, of Dryden, and Matthew Weiers, of Fort Saskatchewan, Alta., left the area but returned with three more passengers and they continued to circle the moose, the radio station reports.

Matthew then jumped on the back of the moose, CKDR reported.

Andrew's boat was seized and will be returned after the fines are paid.

Moose are biologically programmed for fear and will attempt to escape, but if they can't the fear can cause exhaustion, stress and death, the ministry said.