yet another reason...

...why colorado is so amazing. this is the second time i have seen this moose on a small hike near my house. the first night we saw him i was out training summit for hunting. we took a small break before we decided to venture home, played some uno, then we were on our merry way. summit starting acting weird, sat down and was staring into the quickening darkness. all of a sudden we look up and there he was, no more than 30 feet from us. the heart starting racing as adrenaline was being pumped through my body. i reached for the camera and quickly remembered the batteries were dead. we returned to the cabin to decide what we should do because the moose was 30 feet off the path we needed to use to get home. we ventured on, walking by him slowly while keeping a watchful eye to make sure he wasn't going to charge. moose are strange animals, there's no telling what their behavior is at any moment. we were safe.

two nights later i decided to hike up there again, camera in hand and brand new batteries. it was about 1900 hrs when i first saw him, which was unusually early for him to be out. he was furthur off the trail and in a different spot than originally seen. i decided to get closer, so i slowly approaced trying to keep myself concealed. thinking back, i realize that he probably knew i was there before i knew he was there. i got within 50 feet and he started heading my way. i sat still so i wouldn't pose any threat. he came to within 30 feet again and i started taking pictures and some video. from a view with more light, i guess that he is 2-3 yrs of age. i would have posted more pictures but he just stood there staring at me, not moving at all, until i decided to back away and leave him alone.

my conclusion...he must be somewhat domestic and didn't really mind me being there considering he didn't run or charge. but then agian, i'll continue to be careful because you never know how they are going to act.