Is the comma ok

In some places, seeing a moose in a shopping center parking lot is a normal occurrence, but not for most people. This would be a shocking scene to someone who has never encountered one of these massive animals.

Is the comma before “but” optional?

Thanks.

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In some places, seeing a moose in a mall parking lot is normal, but not for most people. For someone who has never encountered one of these massive animals, this would be a shocking scene.

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I learned to always use a comma before “but”.

As for the moose, I have only seen a wild moose one time in my life. He was wading in the water eating. He looked up at me and apparently decided that I wasn’t a threat and went back to eating. I have a picture of him somewhere.

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Yes, I’d say it is optional.
To me, main clauses need not be separated by commas (when they are begun with or in the initial position) unless there is an apparent semantic conflict or confusion.

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To me, there is a major change of direction in this sentence at “but”. The comma provides the needed pause at that point.

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