Moose scare me more than bear do.
I have never been charged by a bear, they typically want nothing to do with humans. Even kneeling less than 2 feet from an 800 pound female brown bear on the Katmai coast, I didn’t feel threatened.
But I won’t get within 20 yards of a moose, if I can avoid it.
The difference between a bear and moose charge – in my experience? Easy. If a bear charges you, stand your ground. Do NOT run. Bear like to bully and make things move. People, other bear… doesn’t matter.
Grazing Moose, Potter's Creek, Alaska. ©2010 Dave Taylor/Sixtyone North (Canon 5D mk 2, 70-200 @ 200mm, 1/400" @ f4, ISO 400)
Grazing Moose, Potter's Creek, Alaska. ©2010 Dave Taylor/Sixtyone North (Canon 5D mk 2, 70-200 @ 200mm, 1/400" @ f4, ISO 400)
If a moose charges you? Get the HECK out of there. Like… yesterday.
Moose in Remnants of Burned Forest, Homer, Alaska. ©2010 Dave Taylor/Sixtyone North (Canon 7D, 70-200 @ 200mm, 1/320" @ f4, ISO 400)
Grazing Moose, Potter's Creek, Alaska. ©2010 Dave Taylor/Sixtyone North (Canon 5D mk 2, 100-400 @ 235mm, 1/80" @ f9, ISO 800
I’ll be the first to admit, moose are some of the oddest looking creatures. Part horse, part… well, something else. Perhaps something with a goiter problem? They are a lot of fun to photograph, especially in the fall rut season. I am already looking forward to this fall – for several reasons. But this spring and summer have a lot to offer.
In Alaska, it is always moose season.
Hey, Dave -
Nice! And I love the eye on the last shot – now there’s a moose who looks like he’d enjoy charging someone for no good reason! :^D
- Jack