moose and moose sign / early May

[forestgnome]

A few images from bushwacking last weekend...

Here's a young bull moose browsing after dark...
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l190/forestgnome/5-11-07-028-1.jpg


unidentified bone...
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l190/forestgnome/5-12-07-005.jpg


moose yard...
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l190/forestgnome/5-12-07-007.jpg


fresh shed moose antler...
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l190/forestgnome/5-11-07-005.jpg

another fresh shed...
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l190/forestgnome/5-11-07-019.jpg


followed this yearling cow for a while, then she posed nicely!
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l190/forestgnome/5-16-07-016.jpg


After quite a while, she started walking toward me. I think she was seeing if I was mama, who has recently scooted her away. That happens in May, after mama has raised them since last May/June.
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l190/forestgnome/5-16-07-028.jpg


She kept moving her head around and sniffing at me and walking toward me until she got about five feet away...
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l190/forestgnome/5-16-07-026.jpg


Finally, she turned and walked though a beaver bog and out of sight.

Happy Trails :)

[lwa11]

Cool shots. I have enjoyed my own close up with moose recently on the Kanc. They seem so "tame" that sometimes you almost forget there is danger in the situation if not careful.

I am hoping to stumble upon some shed antlers at some point.

Thanks for sharing.


LWA11

PS- my moose shots are here: http://public.fotki.com/lwa11/2007places/may-2007/

[Charlie]

were you on a trail or just walking out in the woods . nice pictures

[forestgnome]

I was out bushwacking in the southern White Mtns.

Nice pics, lwa11!

Happy Trails :)

[lwa11]

Is the loss of hair normal for the moose? Is it a winter type of thing? I have noticed that on my moose shots and those of others.

lwa11

[Steve M]

The closest I have been to a moose and didn't even realize it was last May. My family and I were camping at Saco River Campground in Conway and sometime before I awoke and came out of the tent a moose walked about 2 feet from the front of our tent. I followed his tracks as long as I could and never got to see him but it was cool.

[forestgnome]

Is the loss of hair normal for the moose? Is it a winter type of thing? I have noticed that on my moose shots and those of others.

lwa11

Yes, they are shedding their winter coat (molting) and the bulls are sprouting a fresh pair of antlers. You can see the little antler buds above their eyes, covered in velvet. The winter coat should be gone in a few more weeks, revealing a sleek, short summer coat.


Happy Trails :)