When you see a Moose in a setting like this, they seem so gentle and you can certainly find yourself at ease photographing them. However, under that seemingly soft, calm demeanor is a wild animal, one that is known to do some serious damage to people when it feels threatened.
I oftentimes see wildlife watchers and other photographers put themselves in positions far too close to these massive creatures, something which I make a very purposeful effort not to do.
Moose are the largest member of the deer family although the sub-species we have here in #Colorado, the Shiras Moose, are the smallest of moose sub-species. That however does not mean they are truly small.
They can stand six feet tall at the shoulder and weigh up to 1,200 pounds! You cannot begin to appreciate their size until you are up close with one. It is best to maintain a respectful distance, no matter how gentle they might seem.
Image taken on August 28 in the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area of Roosevelt National Forest.
