Moose Alert!

My nephew, Jacob, came racing into the house in late afternoon, calling us to get outside and in the van fast. In near zero temperatures, how could we do this fast? I dashed out one boot on, one boot still in my hand and no coat. Terry just ran out with no boots.

We hopped into the van, and Jacob drove us to the top of the long driveway. There, in the orchard part of their property, were a mother moose and her "baby" (born last spring) munching away at tasty sprigs of willow. Jacob inched the van as closely as he dared, so that we could get some great photos.

You never want to mess around with a mother moose! They can attack at a moment's notice. It is hard to get a perspective of how large these animals are - as tall as a large horse, perhaps. Mushers are very respectful of moose on the trail. If they get upset, they can crash into a team and kill. We noticed their heavy winter fur coats, and wondered how they can keep warm when temperatures go to -45F. We wonder if they must spend their whole day eating to get enough calories to keep them going.