Usually we stay at Three Mile Campground but instead stayed at Eagle Creek a couple miles away. Nested along the Northfork River, we had the best view.
That best view was a startling wake up call one morning as I stepped out into the cool morning air to be greeted by a deer who just happened to be a very curious creature. She started walking towards me which made me flinch and with a leap and bound, she was gone. I continued my morning walk, sipping a steaming cup of coffee, when something else caught my eye. In front of me stood a large bull moose whose eye was on me while munching on succulent leaves from a tree.
Within a few seconds this moose was joined by the curious deer. The deer reminded me of my dog who tries to get close to the cat only to turn and run at the slightest movement on her part. The doe would get to within inches, then turn and flee, but only for a few feet. With video rolling, I waited to see if we were going to have part 2 of Wild America. But the deer became bored and retreated into the woods.
Over the next couple of days we encountered several moose, including a cow and calf. At first, the calf looked like a bear from the distance and my adrenaline was pumping as we hadn't seen a glimpse of one to that point. This one was plump and not all legs and scrawny compared to others I've seen over the years.
The moose is the largest member of the deer family and like every wild animal, they can charge without warning. Moose can get very aggressive if they are provoked or are tending to their young. They will charge you and these animals like to kick. If you've ever been kicked by a horse, then you know the feeling, only this is more brutal. They are considered slow but have been recorded at speeds of 35 mph. Most of the time you have a chance of getting away as they will chase and then retreat but don't take any unnecessary chances.
The biggest threat to moose are bears and wolves, who will prey on the very young and sick. Moose also have trouble walking through deep snow, giving hunters an advantage while tracking them using snowshoes. Deep snow pushes moose to lower ground and populated areas. It isn't uncommon to see moose in a town or on highways causing potential risk to themselves and people.
Go To Page: 1 2
| Here's the follow-up discussion on this article: | View all related messages |
For a complete listing of article comments, questions, and other discussions related to Connie Troutman's Wildlife topic, please visit the Discussions page.