Photo by Lori F.
Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
Moose are the largest member of the deer family. They can grow over six feet tall at shoulder height and weight up to 1,800 pounds. Antlers on a male, like the one pictured above, can grow to six feet across and weigh more than forty pounds. The antlers on this moose are still in velvet, and have a lot of growing to do before the fall season.
During summer months, moose are often found around lakes and wetlands. They like to eat aquatic plants, and are actually good swimmers. On land they can run up to 35 mph and trot long distances at about 20 mph.
Moose are also one of the most unpredictable animals I’ve ever run across in the mountains.
Once while I was wading and fly-fishing near Yellowstone National Park, a large male (bull) entered the river. I couldn’t help but notice his very large set of antlers as I froze and stared at him. He looked around but somehow didn’t see me as I apparently blended in with the background. After a few moments, the moose began wading upstream straight at me. As this huge animal continued to get closer, he would occasionally stick his head underwater for several moments while eating aquatic vegetation.
I knew that once these big animals are startled, there is no telling what they will do. And I also realized I couldn’t just stand still and have him plow right over me. As the moose stuck his head underwater again, I stole a quick glance at the trees on the bank behind me. They were huge, with no lower branches for me grab onto to try to scramble up the tree.
The moose continued to draw closer, and I knew I had to do something soon. I decided the next time he stuck his head under water, I’d make a slog to the bank. Then I’d run behind a tree, hopefully before he would lift his head out of the water and see me.
He stepped closer once again, then finally put his head down into the river. I made my escape, but unfortunately for me, although the moose had his eyes below the surface of the water, his ears were above. He heard the commotion right in front of him, and jerked his head out of the water as he let out an ear-splitting snort that almost gave me a heart attack.
I’m not sure if more water was flying from me or Mr. Moose as I churned out of the river in my bulky waders, scrambling behind a tree. I stood peering from around the tree trunk, trying to hold my breath and keep my pounding heart quiet. The moose stared back for what seemed like a lifetime, then spun around and swam across the river, climbed up the other bank, and trotted off into the timber. Sometime after that I remembered to breathe again.
Whee-doggies – the mountains can be an exciting place!
The Lord has protected me so many times in so many ways, I cannot remember them all. And I’m sure there were many other times that I didn’t even know about.
Thank You, Lord.
Hope you have a great day.