Moose Baby

 
This was a young moose that we saw in the yard, Frank went outside and photographed him. We think it was a him, no antlers yet but he was young. They often seem to stay with their mothers through her next calving. She will have 1-2 new babies, and her older baby(ies) are still hanging out with her. 
   
Here he is walking into the woodline, there are many tasty things to eat in there. 
   
Goats are always interested in other large animals, they do seem to know that this animal, like themselves, poses no danger. They are afraid of dogs that come to their pen (neighbor dogs) even if the dog isnt jumping and running about. The dog can just be in the area and they seem frightened. 
   
Here he is on the other side of the house, he went back and forth. Frank didnt photo the kids, but they are on the back side of the property by the woodpile. The pictures of the mama moose didnt come out well, but she does not like for people to be near her baby so the kids know to go behind something during the period in which she is in the yard. If they stand quietly behind something, just watching her she will not bother them.
   
Here the baby moose has realized that his mother is gone! Note the ears are back here, where in the previous picture they were forward. Just like goats, their ears are highly expressive. Their ear positioning means the same emotion that it does for goats as well, so we can easily note fear, worry, anger, or curiosity. The forward ears are curious and even friendly.

People on tour trips that we have taken are so astounded by these mammals, and I admit I think they are wonderful. However, we dont usually try to take pictures of them on tours anymore as we cannot get as close as we do in our own yard. We went to Denali with mom, she took photos which I will post later. I have not had time, and today is her last day. We went on an all day tour bus and saw grizzlies, dall sheep, caribou, different types of birds, and moose. She got good photos of all of these and I will post them later. I think we are going on a trip down to the Kenai peninsula (we have been there 2 times) again and will go on a fishing trip there. We plan on doing as much touring as we can, Alaska is a once in a life-time place to be.