The two bull moose didn’t just wallow in the willows to eat. This one showed up in the meadow in front of our cabin, framing himself perfectly between the tree branches. Thanks to the wonders of the telephoto lens, I could get close without leaving the comfort and safety of the porch.
Lest we forget, moose (and buffalo/bison, bears, etc.) are wild animals. The word “wild” is used on purpose. It means it behooves you to stay a safe distance away. One summer, my husband was down in the main cabin area near another family’s cabin when he heard the father telling his little children to go close to the moose for a photo. My husband quickly disabused them of the notion that this was in any way a good idea. Contrary to their ungainly appearance, a moose can run as fast as a horse and those horns are dangerous! I’ve never figured out how they can run through a forest not only without hitting the trees, but without making a noise.
A female moose with a calf is dangerous as she will protect her calf. Calves are curious, so they might approach you, but the mother will see you as a danger, not a mere curiosity. Bull moose should always be respected. Period. No exceptions.
My husband also loves to tell the story, a true one, I must admit, of my dad and me riding our horses close to a moose that was near the lake. At a certain point, he put his head down in an overtly menacing way and our horses, sensible creatures that they were, decided enough was enough and we left quite quickly. 🙂
Thanks J. Invaluable information. Should I happen across a Qatari moose, I will know what to do!
Glad to have helped arm you in case of danger, MB.
janet
Have you read HATCHET, by Gary Paulsen? The young protagonist is charged and injured by a bull moose. Later, a tornado tears up his campsite, and his first thought is, “I hope it got the moose.” Not an animal-friendly thought, but understandable, in the circumstance.
Ha! Yes, I can understand that. I haven’t read it, but I should pick it up from the library. I know it’s supposed to be good.
janet
Beautiful photo. Those horns do look dangerous.
Especially when wielded by fast-moving, angry animal! 🙂
janet
I enjoyed your information on the big guy. He looks quite strong. I do think that moose horns are beautiful. From a distance, of course, or in a museum stuffed. Your photograph is the perfect capture of this strong animal. Have a supper weekend …
Isadora 😎
Thanks, Issy. The weekend has started with a lot of rain, but other than that, all good. I hope yours is excellent, too.
janet
Very early one morning while at my brother’s cottage – as I was exiting the outhouse – I discovered a moose standing between me and the cottage. Yes, they look REALLY big when you’re up close and unprotected!! He (she?) was as startled as I was and took off like a flash into the water. I was amazed at how fast they could swim – and as you said, how quiet they are.
I am always thrilled when I get a sighting of a wild animal, but this one was a bit scary.
Sightings are best from a good distance, as I imagine you’ll agree. The best close-up view is when you’re in the cabin, look out the window, and there’s a moose, which has happened to us.
janet
I agree – you had the best view!
Nice wildlife tale 🙂 It is a wonder how they navigate through the woods without bumping into things, isn’t it? I’d never thought about that.
And “wild” is the operative word. Glad you enjoyed it, Joey. Happy, but here, soggy, Saturday.
janet
Was damp and gray here, but then, I like that 🙂 Happy Saturday to you!
How extremely fortunate that this bull moose came close enough for you to photograph him, Janet. They are such curious-looking mammals, always a delight to see in the wild.
Great story! You can’t make up material like that! 😉 So, hubby earned a hero award!
He always does, Gordon. 🙂
janet
Beautiful animal
I don’t know if they’re beautiful, but they’re certainly magnificent. 😊
janet
Agreed,
We saw lots of moose in Jackson Hole, the traffic came to a standstill as everyone got out of their cars to take photos. We even saw one on the piste. We were going up in a gondola and saw one on the piste, we were safe, but I bet it gave some skiers one hell of a shock!
That would give me a shock. It didn’t have skis on, did it? That would be even more unusual. 🙂
janet