Moose_Allenspark_2019_1A yearling bull moose (Alces alces) stares down from a rocky ridge near Allenspark, Colorado. There are plenty of animals that I enjoy watching, photographing and learning anything and everything I can about them. One of my all time favorite animals that fit into this category, however, is the moose. 

Lanky, and sometimes scruffy, yet charismatic with the prettiest set of eyelashes in the animal kingdom, there is something about this large mammal that not only captures my attention, but the interest of a wide variety of people. 

Recently I was in Rocky Mountain National Park at a location where I had watched two bull moose spend their time feeding on willow bushes in early summer. As I turned to walk back towards my truck, a woman passed me and asked if I had seen any moose.

In a bit of a snarky-but-meant-to-be-funny response I said, "Nope, none here." The two bulls were right over my shoulder not twenty feet off the trail.  Moose_23Two bull moose sparring in the willows in the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, Colorado

When the woman saw them, she screamed in delight. The other wildlife watchers turned and looked at her.

"Shhh," I gently whispered as I put my finger to my lips. 

"I am just so excited. These are the first moose I have ever seen!" she exclaimed with a smile stretching across her face as her husband just shook his head. 

I have seen dozens of people have a similar reaction as they bear witness to their first moose. 

There is just something about this animal.  Moose_Anchorage_2019_1A large bull moose (Alces alces) walks through a patch of alders near Anchorage, Alaska.

So in honor of this majestic giant of northern woods, I have dedicated the month of August to showcasing photos from my years of photographing moose and sharing lots of tips about these shy and awkward creatures. This will be an annual event so be sure to follow my Instagram page to make sure you too can watch in awe of this lumbering and awkward yet delicate and charismatic megafauna.