We recently rode up to an isolated lake at 10,800 feet (3300 m), making our way through a half mile of pristine forest to get there. The lake is too shallow for fish, so there's not enough foot or horseback traffic to establish a trail. Steve pointed to a dark spot in the dwarf willows growing above the opposite shore. To me, it looked like a blob, but Steve was sure it was a moving blob.We tied up the horses and snuck around the lake, where our 10X zoom revealed....
A moose.
Wait. What's that emerging from the bushes? 
Yes, it was mama, right there near her youngster.Moose cows are known to be fierce in defense of their young, even deadly to intruders who dare to come too close. We were about 150 yards away and on the other side of a boulder field, so that seemed safe enough.
After staring in our direction for a few minutes, they hustled away. Baby kept looking back over his shoulder, wondering who had come visiting and why Mama thought he should be afraid.
To view other fascinating critters, click here.
Fantastic! A great capture of the largest member of the deer family :)
ReplyDeleteNice moose photos. I always enjoy your "wide open spaces". New England is beautiful, but we just don't have those big skys, big spaces. Just lovely
ReplyDeleteHugs
Rita
That's amazing. I didn't knw there were moose in Utah, but then, I don't know why there wouldn't be.
ReplyDeleteHow exciting! Moose are such improbable-looking creatures, aren't they?
ReplyDeleteHow cool - one of my favorite creatures! :-)
ReplyDeleteOh my, moose became meese! ;)
ReplyDeleteOH ... how MARVELOUS!!! My sister LUVS moose (meese?) and would enjoy your post. She looks for them in her RV travels and takes many photos herself to share ;--)
ReplyDeleteHugs and blessings,
Wow, what a great sighting. Steve sure has a good eye. Good not to be too close. Nice job witht he 10x.
ReplyDeleteHow exciting! It must be wonderful to live where you can really see all the wonderful critters Mother Nature cares for. Wonderful photos!
ReplyDelete"Moose Munch" sounds like some sort of healthy granola snack. I think there's a marketing opportunity in there somewhere :)
ReplyDeleteTink *~*~*
what an exciting opportunity to catch them out and about. LOVE those photos. the baby is so cute.
ReplyDeleteOh WOW! What an awesome post and a fantastic experience! You did great sharing this with us.
ReplyDeleteNo way will I ever see a roaming moose round my way. So funny.
ReplyDeleteOk, that baby is SO funny!!! Good mama, and good baby for following her example without back talk. (If we could just teach OUR children that;)
ReplyDeletesuperb captures!
ReplyDeleteHow lucky you were to take lovely pictures from these beautiful friends!
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
Happy Camera Critters and a cool Sunday okay!
purrs
Luna
What fun and a great discovery you had. Looks like a beautiful place to ride.
ReplyDeleteGreat shots, Janie! I remember coming upon some moose when we would travel in Yellowstone and Yosemite and the babies were always so curious and the mamas always so protective! It does look like a fun place to ride.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your weekend!
Sylvia
great shot, in my experience Moose are among the most difficult of critters to find in the wild. I have seen only 5.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great found and cool animals.
ReplyDeleteHow exciting to see moose! Those are great captures. Glad you all were at a safe distance to enjoy the view.
ReplyDeletei love the zooming in
ReplyDeleteI enlarged the photos: they are fabulous! Thanks for sharing! Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was just a kid in Utah, on family outings my Mother never failed to tell us to stay away from the moose they were dangerous. I always listened to her and stayed way away the rare times we come upon one.
For some reason, it's just plain exciting to see a moose or two in the wild.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos of your moose! I'm glad that mama didn't decide to investigate the intruders any closer. :)
ReplyDeleteWow, moose aren't something we see everyday, I've never seen one. Great find, thanks for sharing!
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ReplyDeleteThese are absolutely wonderful pictures. I'm glad you could get them without getting into trouble with Mama Moose.
ReplyDeleteJanie: Those are really nice captures of the moose family.
ReplyDeletefantastic of a beautiful moose, my first time to see this animal.
ReplyDeletea munching place for the moose indeed. great shot.
ReplyDeletewonderful shot of a lovely moose.
ReplyDeleteGreat capture. I've only seen moose in Maine and never anywhere in Canad though for sure they are here. They really are elusive, aren't they.
ReplyDeleteCool find, they are lovely. :-)
ReplyDeleteAmazing! I'm glad they stayed long enough for you to get some photos.
ReplyDeleteA mother moose and babe, how very exciting!!!!! Great photos!!!
ReplyDeleteThat must have been an interesting encounter. Glad you were able to capture it from a distance.
ReplyDeleteThat's fantastic!! What's funny is, I was just coming over to your blog to tell you that moose have been spotted in our area. I sure hope I see them soon!
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