Winter Moose Range

The Anchor River Valley below our home is a traditional "Winter Moose Range", although in the past I have seen twenty to thirty Moose in a one mile section from the highway to the beach, this year we are once again seeing a smaller winter population. At the present time we have a dozen Cows, Calves, and some young immature Bulls in this area which is about all that it will currently support. Today, I was fortunate to have five Moose in close proximity of one another. A Cow which was feeding and this young Bull that decided it was time to take a afternoon nap. Unknown to him, but in a few short weeks his mother is going to kick him out of the nest. Chances are that she is pregnant and will be calving this spring. Prior to calving, she will abandon him to be on his own. In a couple of months, he will discover that he is no longer with his mother but he will also experience the growth of single "spike horns" sprouting from his forehead. The transition of mother / calf separation is evident. She was a hundred yards away from him feeding, when he decided to take a nap. Although, I was within feet of him, she paid me no attention.

The exact opposite was evident with the other three Moose in the area, a Cow and two Calves. They had also bedded down, but her calves were a year younger than the single Bull Calf. She kept her babies close to her, nestled against her to give them her body warmth. Although, she did not disturb her napping calves, she was very aware of my presence by keeping her eyes glued on me and flicking her ears. I gave her a wide berth so as not to disturb them, plus I cannot run as fast as she could if she decided that I was within her safety zone. Once again, a great opportunity to just witness and make attempt to figure out what was transpiring in their lives.

How many Moose do you see in this picture? If you count the ears, there are three Moose. This cow and two calves have bedded down for the afternoon, the one Calf behind the Cow never showed it's head. It was perfectly comfortable cuddled up against his /her mommy. The Calf in front of the Cow is also a young Bull Calf, his nubbins will grow a little this spring and summer but will not sprout as full spikes until next year. 

  

"Alder Patch Bed" 

First time that I have had the opportunity to shoot the full process of a Moose laying down, although they appear to be clumsy in the process, on their feet they are much faster and agile than their awkward appearance would indicate.

"Time For A Good Afternoon Nap"