I can honestly say that I have traveled very far lengths to see one of these large and mean creatures (all the way to Alaska, twice) and never saw one, except for the dead one in a median on the highway in AK; which if it's dead it doesn't count.I went to Idaho over MLK weekend to visit my friend Mac and his new bride to be, while we were getting ready to head off for a walk, someone said there was a moose eating from a tree in the neighbors yard. All of a sudden I got a great deal of excitement rush over me as I grabbed Mac's camera and started running for the neighbors yard. I did feel a little bit funny running towards this great big animal as all inhibitions went out the door, but no fear as a park ranger who has to deal with people getting too close to the bears, I did stay back... a bit. I can honestly say that my inner tourist came out and I REALLY wanted to get close to that thing for the best picture, like so many horror stories start out like, but I didn't.
It was the coolest thing! there he was snacking on a tree, as mama laid down in the grass for a little sun bathing. I was so amazed as to how big they were, as well as very frightened for the neighbors who's house was being visited by the moose. But the funny thing is, I did not have to go out hiking for miles away from people to see one, nor did I have to pay someone to show me any, and I did not go to the zoo to claim I saw one. I saw one in the "wild" streets of Sandpoint, ID. It was awesome and like every great story of hunting, fishing, or sight seeing of animals I did not have my own camera, so I do not have any pictures to prove it, but I promise I saw one.
Have no fear a picture will follow as soon as I get one!
P.S. The rest of the trip was also very fun!
P.P.S. I got my moose picture to prove to you all I saw one. 1-30-09
