When Nature Attacks: Part Two

There's an old camp song that goes something like this:

Wait, wait....this is a repeat after me song. Ready?

There was a moose,

He liked to drink a lot of juice,
There was a moose,
He liked to drink a lot of juice,
Singin' way-oh, way-oh,
Way-oh, way-oh, way-oh, way-oh,
Way-oh, way-oh,
Way-oh, way-oh, way-oh, way-oh,
His name was Fred,
He liked to drink his juice in bed,
His name was Fred,
He liked to drink his juice in bed,
He drank his juice with care,
But he spilled it in his hair,
He drank his juice with care,
But he spilled it in his hair,

Now there's a moose on the loose all covered in juice!

Now, doesn't that just make moose sound like they're SO silly and barrels of fun?! The reality is, moose are not to be trifled with. They are massive and can be quite aggressive, particularly a cow protecting her calf. I don't know anyone who wouldn't be intimidated by the rack of a bull moose. Heck, as the saying goes, even a bear will run from a moose. Just because they eat veggies, doesn't mean they won't chase you, people!

So, a few tips to avoid the moose...
   Cows will be most aggressive in Spring and Summer. One word. Babies.
   Never get between a cow and its calf
   Bull moose are most aggressive in the fall. One word. Chicks.
   Bulls may actually perceive you as a competitor. Funny, but true.
   Moose do not like dogs. They look like Coyotes. Coyotes attack/harass moose. If you have a dog, make sure he's leased and under control.

Where do moose hang out?
    In the U.S. - Montana, Maine, Michigan, Colorado, Wyoming, Alaska, Minnesota etc.
    Moose eat a lot of aquatic plant life so they'll hang out around water sources.
    Cool climates
    Marshes and riverbeds
    Old, mature forests with spruce, aspen and willow thickets
   
If you see a moose...
   BACK OFF! Give it plenty of space.
   Move slow. Stay calm

Signs of aggression...
    Flat ears
    Charging and then veering at the last moment
    Stomping
    Shaking its head back and forth

Attack!!
    You might be able to make a run for it and be okay. A moose doesn't view you as food and is most likely just trying to scare you off.
    If running isn't an option (I always think of this in my snowshoes), keep in mind that moose aren't very agile. If you're being charged, duck out of the way behind a tree or large rock. Try to keep the object between you and the moose.
    If you can climb a tree, do it. Just make sure you get up high enough.
    Moose are great swimmers so don't think the water will protect you.

Then what?
    Once a moose has left the area, slowly leave the area. Stay aware as moose will often return to the same spots..
    If the moose succeed in attacking you (and let's hope NOT), curl up in the fetal position and pray. Do not try to fight it. It could weigh up to 1500 lbs. Try to protect your head, neck and back as best you can. The moose will stomp and kick at you.

Respect the moose and stay aware. Deaths are rare but do occur.