Don’t moose with me!

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.  🙂