We had a rough start to the day. Just as we left our home clearing, a mother moose charged us. She seemingly came out of nowhere and ran directly at me. My first move was to try to get behind a tree but then I realized that there was no time for that. Her hooves were churning through the snow as she came at me. When she was about 20 yards away, I raised my hands over my head, took an aggressive step toward her, and screamed as loud as I could. At that moment, she veered away and went to stand about 25 yards away from me and Shyla.
The moose then stared at us without moving.
I waited, hoping that she'd leave, but she just stared. So, I started walking away, with Shyla in a "heel". The moose moved parallel to us, keeping an unchanging distance from us. After we walked about 30 yards, I changed direction, and the moose finally gave us some space. We walked away as the moose headed back into the forest.
I feel lucky to be okay tonight. My reaction to her charge was purely instinctive. However, as I think through through my options, being aggressive was my only option because the moose was so close to us in such a short time. I'm very glad that Shyla chose to hide behind me throughout the encounter.
For obvious reasons, I have no photos of the encounter, although I did capture a view of the calf, a male, later in the day from a very long distance.
You can see his antler pedicles in the next photo. They are bulges above his eyes.
I wondered where his mom had gone. Usually, a mother moose and her calf stay very close together.
That calf has really grown up since my first glimpse of him in June.
I usually welcome any and all wildlife in the forest but I'm truly afraid of moose. I would prefer if they'd move along so we didn't have to constantly scan the forest shadows for a lurking moose. I know that's not a fair attitude because the forest is their home. In reality, I am hoping that I'll get better at knowing where the moose might be, and the moose will get more relaxed about people.
After that start to our morning, I think that Shyla and I were both on edge. We just played for a while far away from where the moose and calf were but I didn't forget that we were going to have to run the "moose gauntlet" again to get home.
Shyla let loose as she played in the snow...
After some time in the forest, we made it home fine, and now I'm trying to relax next to a fire. However, I have to admit that this spine pain is relentless, and my fighting spirit is wearing down. I'll write more about that seemingly endless saga sometime in the future. In the meantime, please forgive me I am not as active in Blogville as usual.
I am so glad that your instincts kicked in and both of your are safe. I think I would have peed my pants. Loved the moose pictures and the bears from yesterday.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh! I am so glad you're okay! How scary!
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear about your pain. It stinks to have to be in pain. Hopefully you can find some answers and relief soon. That moose. Yikes!! I mean, they are gorgeous but scary for sure. I am glad that you both are ok. Try and relax and get some sleep!!
ReplyDeleteThat's so scary!! I'm glad you're okay!
ReplyDeleteYou have great reactions - you're very in tune with your environment. I've been known to "charge" coyotes to protect my dogs. What's wrong with that picture??
ReplyDeleteNo forgiveness is needed... But I understand your fear of moose, I have that same fear and respect. When we lived in Alaska, too often we would hear on the news how people "forgot" that they're wild animals that need to be treated that way, and given their space, and someone would become injured. Glad you're instincts kicked in, and you're safe -- I hope that little moose stays the same way too!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you are okay - that must have been so frightening...and smart Shyla hiding behind mom ;)
ReplyDeleteSo sorry your are feeling so much pain. Hoping that you get some relief soon.
Wow, Ms. KB, I can get scared just reading that tale! Maybe a couple of days with you and Shyla just playing on your property would be good, wouldn't it?(I can just about hear you telling me no, you gotta ride!) But please do be extra careful and know we are all rooting for you and no one is rooting for the moosemom!
ReplyDeleteAll kinds of hugs,
Jo, stella and Zkhat
So glad that you and Shyla escaped safely. So very sorry about the pain. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteNow, that is scary. We're glad your natural instinct turned out to be the right one. And what a good girl Shyla was not to inflame the situation.
ReplyDeleteGosh that must have been so scary, but sounds like you did the right thing
ReplyDeleteOnce again your training with Shyla paid off in this situation
hugs
Mr Bailey, Hazel & Mabel
Oh my goodness how terrifying. Good girl Shyla staying by mom
ReplyDeleteLily & Edward
I'm so sorry about the unrelenting pain. That's more than enough without worrying about the moose. I sure hope she gets used to you. Around here a lot of the (non-dangerous) animals are used to Andy now and just watch him rather than run away.
ReplyDeleteI saw a New Yorker cartoon the other day --- two mountain lions are lying in wait watching two hikers. One says to the other, "Wait until one of them says how peaceful it is."
Too scary to think about, stay warm, stay inside, and all heartfelt messages for the pain to abate. I might be a bit quiet on my blog too,Hugh has his cataract surgery on Tuesday morning. and for the 2 weeks afterwards, has to be so careful, no bending, no sudden movements, and NO driving. Admissions start at 7 a.m. !! We might have a very early wake-up.Many hugs and more from down here. P.S. another frost this morning.
ReplyDeleteThank goodness you and Shyla are okay, KB! Thank doG for fast thinking on your part and one smart Shyla!
ReplyDeleteGlad the moose story had a happy ending! Praying for some relief of your pain.
ReplyDeletewow... fortunately the moose wasn't in meet&greet mood :o) I'm so sorry that you are still in pains, potp and healing weim-hugs to you.
ReplyDeleteHoly moly!! Scary! Glad you and Shyla are okay. Sending positive thoughts your way and hoping the spine pain eases up. Take care!
ReplyDeleteI'd lay a strong bet that mom was close by but lying down. Cant tell you how many times I have been hiking and looked up to see the big guys 20 and 30 feet in front of me. They are laying down so you don't see them until you are almost right on top of them.
ReplyDeleteso glad you are ok. So glad to hear how sweet Shyla handled the situation too. I think dogs are so wise when it comes to moose. much smarter than us humans.
I give you a lot of credit. I would probably hide in my house forever if faced with that situation! Glad you're both OK.
ReplyDeleteIn my experience, there's nothing that brings on the instinctive reaction (and the adrenaline) like an animal coming straight at you. Any animal! A great big forester friend of mine once fell over backwards in the snow when a mink ran straight at him! Sometimes you just can't believe your eyes when an animal acts in a way that is totally unexpected.
ReplyDeleteBut a moose, good heavens. They are a great big Law Unto Themselves. I'm so glad you and Shyla are alright. I'm very aware moose are nearby and out of sight when I am in the woods these days. Piper was way too interested in heading off trail at a particular area last week, and I had to put her on lead...one of my biggest concerns is what she would do if faced with a moose or bear. I don't THINK she would deliberately antagonize them, but who knows? If she was with me when one crossed out path, though, I feel pretty sure she would take Shyla's approach...discretion being the better part of valor, as they say.
Wow, that would have been so scary. I know when they just stare, they are not happy. I am so sad you're having all this back pain too. That must just wear you out.
ReplyDeleteWOW! That's dang scary. I hope you all have a calm weekend!
ReplyDeleteWhen they migrated into the mountains, they really invaded it. Very scary. It is amazing how our instinct to survive really kicks in and that flight or fight guides us what to do. I'm so glad you and Shyla are safe and hope you have a quieter weekend. So sorry for the pain you are in and I'm sure facing the moose didn't help.
ReplyDeleteTake care of yourself. We are thinking about you.
Bob and i are also very wary as we have the mother and calf in our home territory. I think having a dog makes the possibility of a charge greater since the only real predator of Moose is in the canine family (wolves). Thank goodness your dogs are well-trained and under voice control. I've found that the bulls and even single females are fairly blase about humans, but a female with calf is a time bomb. Take care of yourself- I think of you often. I don't think being stomped by a Moose would help your spine...
ReplyDeleteI had to come see again,, beautiful photos,, but sooo scary.
ReplyDeleteGlad everyone is okay.
love
tweedles