Wednesday, May 28, 2008

We've Got Moose!

I glanced out the window a few hours ago and was delighted to discover our local mama moose had TWINS and Mama was grazing contentedly in what is supposed to be the horse pasture as the babies tottered around. They were so tiny and uncertain on their legs that I suspect they were born within the past few hours. They would venture away a few feet, then come back. One appears to be the leader, and the other one only ventures away after the first one. They nursed, then wandered off. Then they laid down on the lawn and Mama proceeded to lick them. Their little heads were stretched up to her like they were really enjoying it.

I would hate to see one of "our" babies get hit by a car or killed by a bear. Surprisingly, though, dogs are one of baby moose's biggest threats; they often kill the young. We are one of the few people around here who don't have dogs, which is probably part of the reason why Mama brought her babies here. One of the ways they suggest increasing the moose population is to keep dogs tied up during this season when the moose are having babies.

While we will love having them around, they had better not decide to frequent my garden. The fence is a vital part of my garden, and though the moose could easily hop it, I am hoping they have enough food outside the fence that it's not worth their effort.

Enjoy my first attempt at putting a video in my blog! I hope it works for you. All my training last week in Kenai is paying off!

2 comments:

Christy said...

Wow that is so cool. My hubby is a collector of all things moose. His fascination is actually overflowing to me. I notice something moose related rather quickly now. My husband's fascination led to our decorating our baby room in an outdoors theme. Besides we already had all the decor from it being an office we actually just took the office furniture out and moved the baby furniture in.

Michelle Waclawski said...

You would love it! They're back again tonight--even closer!
Your kid better appreciate moose--and the great outdoors! (: