So living up here in Alaska you experience quite the variety of wildlife... black bears... Grizzley's.. caribou.. muskoxen... but one of the largest happened into my professor's backyard over the past couple of days... the Moose.
Photo I took of the bull moose in the backyard munching on berries...
his shoulders are about my height (5'6")
Now as a "lower 48"'er you may not be aware of the precautions that you have to take around these massive animals. They are beautiful creatures that usually keep to themselves... but if they get alarmed they can charge and cause serious damage. This adds to additional challenges when for instance walking your professor's dog... haha. The first moose I spotted while coming back in from a walk with Oook... the bull moose was waiting at the far end of the driveway when I spotted it and quickly made a beeline for the door of the house before Oook could start barking at it. If provoked they can and will charge... not good! Thankfully the dog didn't notice the moose until we were safely inside.
Then this morning Oook and I went out for his morning walk up the hill and were met by another moose on the side of the road so I did a quick 180 and quickly headed back for the house again. Oook was really mad at me because he wanted to continue on his walk but I was more worried about the moose. Over the course of the past couple days I've seen the one bull moose in the driveway and munching on berries in the backyard tree. There's also been a cow moose with a small calf near the road. Those are almost more dangerous because the mama moose are very protective of their young. I've also heard that there's another cow moose with triplets in the area... that sure would have been neat to see!
So for you Lower 48'ers... here are a few snipets about moose in Alaska direct from the AK dept of fish and game:
How do you know when a moose might attack?
How do you know when a moose might attack?
The long hairs on its hump are raised, ears laid back (much like a dog or cat), and it may lick its lips (if you can see this, you are way too close). A moose that sees you and walks slowly towards you is not trying to be your friend; it may be looking for a handout or warning you to keep away. All of these are dangerous situations. Back off. Look for the nearest tree, fence, building, car, or other obstruction to duck behind.
What if a moose is standing next to your house or car door?
Is there another door or a way around the moose? If not, be patient. The moose will often move away on its own. It may take half an hour or more, but it's usually worth waiting. Sometimes a loud noise or movement will startle them into moving, but moose that are used to people are usually not easily chased away. If you have to get by, try to keep a large tree, snow berm, vehicle, building, or fence between you and the moose. Don't get near a moose if its only escape route is in your direction, and always leave yourself one or more escape routes. As a last resort, a large squirt of pepper spray will often move them, or at least provide you with some protection if they charge.
What if a moose charges?
Many charges are “bluff” charges, warning you to get back. However, you need to take them all seriously. Even a calf, which weighs 300 or 400 pounds by its first winter, can injure you. When a moose charges it often kicks forward with its front hooves. Unlike with bears or even dogs, it's usually a good idea to run from a moose because they won't chase you very far. Get behind something solid; you can run around a tree faster than a moose can. If it knocks you down, a moose may continue running or start stomping and kicking with all four feet. Curl up in a ball, protect your head with your hands, and hold still. Don't move or try to get up until the moose moves a safe distance away or it may renew its attack.
