Thursday, June 28, 2007

Moose Danger Zone

It’s surprising easy to miss seeing a full grown MOOSE standing alongside a trail in Alaska.
They’re enormous animals but blend right in with the woods and trees.
More people are killed or maimed by Moose than Grizzly Bears in Alaska.

They are BIG animals and very territorial.
They are aggressive when challenged or startled by intruders.

Our hike in Alaska was prime time for calves and worthy of extra caution in the woods.
When Moose have young they will NOT tolerate intruders.


We hiked down a trail from a Railroad Crossing in Denali State Park towards “Horseshoe Lake”. It was a short hike of less than two miles to the Beaver Dam.

There’s not one single mosquito here, they’re all married with children.

The important thing to remember when hiking in Moose country is to always see the Moose before it sees you.
Violating its SPACE is a serious transgression that can have dire consequences for the unwary traveler.

A Moose with the raised hackles, ears back and flattened, lowered head, stomping hoofs, clicking teeth and licking lips are all signs a charge or trampling may be imminent.


Avoid a Confrontation.

Yield to the Moose: go around, go back or wait.


A half ton Moose with four slashing hoofs...
can stomp the living daylights out of you!

We watched this mother and her two calves for about half an hour. I felt a distinct possibility of danger as long as we were in its area and was incredibly sensitive to its space.

By staying aware...
You can peacefully coexist with these Humongous Herbivores.











2 comments:

El Cabrero said...

Somedays you eat the moose...

Jspiker said...

Hmmmmm......tasty too.

I BIG Moose could feed a family of farm animals for a month!