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"On Sunday night, November 13, 2005, I was returning home after dropping my daughter back to her dorm at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, Massachusetts. It was about 6:45 and very dark and I was driving down the road in Amherst at about 45 mph when I saw the tall stilt-like legs of a moose standing in the road in front of me. I slammed on my brakes coming to a stop within six inches of a very large bull moose. I came down on the brakes so hard and fast that I could smell the burning rubber from my car's tires. And with the screeching of the tires, that huge moose didn't move, he just stood there right in the middle of the road. I then pushed down on my horn and the moose just trotted across the road. While shaking like a leaf and keeping my eye on that moose I nearly collided with to my left, I slowly began to proceed when out from the right came another moose. I saw the second one in enough time so I was able to stop the car and waited for him/her to cross the road.

This was my first moose sighting and if I ever have another one, I hope it's from a distance and not have such a close encounter with one or two as this turned out to be. What normally is a 1 1/2 hour drive for me ended up being an almost 3 hour drive because I was afraid to even drive the speed limit fearing another moose would be waiting somewhere along the way home, in the middle of the road just waiting to smash my car up. Anne."

Mooseworld: This sighting gives us another opportunity to direct our users' attention to the "Viewing Moose Safely" section at the top of this page. But we should add that people need to drive safely in moose territory too. And now that moose are beginning to move further down into New England, that means driver awareness in Massachusetts, Connecticut and even New York (see below and our section on Photos and Stories).

"I live in Massachusetts in the upper portion of the Worchester Hills and not far from the Monadnock region of New Hampshire. Saturday night, October 22, 2005 around 5:40pm or so, I was driving along Route 119 (a frequent area of moose sightings). I had just crossed into New Hampshire when I came over a rise and there down at the bottom of the hill ... two moose crossing the road. I was very excited. They both meandered into the woods where I was able to pull over and observe them for a couple of minutes before they slipped farther into the woods and disappeared from sight. Neither had antlers but the lead moose was much larger then the second moose. I'm not sure if this was a male and female. This is the second time I have seen moose in this area ... hopefully not my last. Theresa."

Mooseworld: See comments below about moose in New England. By the way, what you probably saw was a cow and calf. This calf will be with its mother until Spring when she will chase the yearling off.

"I live in Fishkill, New York, an area where I never thought I would see a moose, but today, October 16, my husband and I saw a huge moose running through a field just down the road from our house. It stopped and looked at us for awhile and then went back into the woods. Barbara-Ann."

Mooseworld: There are more and more reports about moose moving down into Massachusetts and Connecticut. In an article published in the Wall Street Journal on October 14, 2005 (just two days before this sighting), the Connecticut state biologist said that the moose population was "about 100 and growing." Now New York ... next Manhattan?

"Over years of living in Alaska, I have accumulated my share of moose stories. My favorite is of the late winter afternoon (yes, it was dark) when, at 40 below zero, I walked the winding dirt road home. I was cold and, looking down at the ground and mumbling to myself about how fast I was going to make a fire when I reached the cabin, I wasn't paying much attention to what was in front of me. I looked up just six feet away from a huge bull moose standing in the narrow road. I stopped, almost literally frozen in my tracks, knowing the damage a moose can do. We stared at each other for anxious moments until the cold won the battle with my fear. I boldly said, "Moose, I need to get past you to get to my house. I have a fire to build." At that request, the moose politely stepped to the side and I walked right past him and home. Linda."

Mooseworld: This story confirms many of our feelings about moose: they can be dangerous (see "Viewing Moose Safely" above); they are huge; and they are polite. :-)

"My family and I saw a bull moose and another one on August 5, 2005. They were at mile marker 60 on highway 149 between Lake City and Creede, Colorado. They were in a canyon or draw right next to the road on the left side of the road going to Creede. I think this was a young bull because it didn't have a large spread. The other one we could not tell what it was because of the bushes. It was a large one from what we could see. Pat."

Mooseworld: It's nice to have a report on moose in Colorado, where even the wildlife specialists say it's somewhat rare.

"Just thought I'd share a little adventure I had last weekend, April 16, 2005. We were checking out a spot that I had previously found on Thursday that week. Lots of tracks, but no moose in sight. I think I was a little early in the afternoon. This was in the western hills of Oxford County, Maine. I only saw one on Thursday. Amazing that I saw this one, as it was kneeling down feeding. I was actually turning around to check out some deer I saw up the road. I took some pictures, but it was almost dark, and they did not come out very well.

Anyway, I went back up to the spot where I saw all of the tracks. We left the house at 4:00am to try to get lucky. There was one feeding off the side of the road, but the sun wasn't quite up yet. We checked him out, and continued on to our destination. Still lots of tracks, but no moose. As we drove up the road out of the corner of my eye, there she stood. A cow! Stop, stop stop, backup! So we did. She was kind enough to pose for some pics, and then we drove up the hill and I got out and walked down to where she was and I climbed the ridge to get some side shots of her. [My partner] stayed at the truck and tooted on the moose call. It was a cold morning—27 degrees! She gave a huff and steam shot out of her flared nose. I think he startled her. I took a few more pics and I said thank you, and was on my way. We continued up the road, checking out all of the "wet" mucky moose spots, no luck! Then about three miles up the road from where she stood I hit the jackpot—five moose standing there having breakfast! I think we startled them a little, by driving off the pavement to pull over. Here comes the big bull moose, just starting to have his antlers come in. they kind of look like flattened antennas sticking out by his ears! He ran across the road. We pulled over and took out the binoculars and watched two of them meander in between the trees in the woods and they crossed the road around the bend. The other two walked off further in the woods. That was awesome! Or so I thought!

We drove up the road a little further then turned around and meandered back. We turned off onto a side road and around the first bend, low and behold a cow and a yearling! What a day! We stopped, as the cow was just getting ready to walk into the woods. She saw us and stopped and did a 180 right back to the yearling. There they stood at the edge of the road. We creeped slowly up to them as they walked off onto a pull-over spot. I gave a toot on the call and the best photo opportunity got away from me, as they both turned around at the same time to acknowledge the sound. What a shot, and me with my camera hanging around my neck and the moose call in my mouth! Oh well, I have the picture in my head, and my story tells the tale! Nine moose in one day! What more can a girl ask for! Vanessa."

Mooseworld: This story has as many exclamation points as moose! Of course, all of us at Mooseworld know why you can't talk about a moose sighting without a bit of gushing. That's what makes moose moose!

"Early this morning [April, 2005], I was lying in bed, half awake, when I heard my Australian Shepherd dog start growling softly and "woofing." To us, living in a northern Colorado mountain valley, this means a visit from either moose or elk. When I looked out my sunroom window, I saw a yearling moose lying in our aspen trees, about 50 feet from our house. I watched while the sun eventually rose enough to light up the youngster's face. She blinked a few times, yawned, and leisurely rose to her feet. She was in no hurry to move off, however, and stayed for another 45 minutes, basking in the sun, I suppose. Nights here are still pretty chilly.

It's not uncommon for us to see moose, as there are many in this valley. In the summer, I work as an outfitter, and it's a rare experience to not see moose while on the trail. A particular cow moose I have tabbed "Mabel" and her offspring often sleep at that same spot in our trees. However, this sighting this morning was special, as I could see no evidence of Mabel, which tells me she is getting ready to calve again, and has encouraged last year's baby to be off on her own. A welcome sign that spring is indeed here to stay! Debra."

Mooseworld: This is a lovely story that reminds us of both our dog (soft, woofing growl) and moose. Good luck to Mabel and to her yearling.

"Earlier this evening [April, 2005], I was sitting in the living room watching TV with my 13 year old son. Suddenly, he yelled out "holy cow!" and pointed out our large picture window toward the street in front of our house. I looked outside and saw what I thought was a large horse, but when I got closer to the window I could see a very large moose with antlers, and a smaller one following it. They were both quite large and impressive looking from where I stood. I called for my husband and daughter to come quickly so they could see, and they got there in time to see the smaller one stand in the road, perhaps 30 feet right in front of us, and he looked at us with as much wonder as we looked at him. It was quite a sight. The larger one had already moved on and the smaller one followed it along the side of our house, through our backyard and into the large wooded conservation area behind our house. I had no idea we had moose in this area! We live in a thickly settled neighborhood in northern Massachusetts, and only saw our first coyote last Saturday night. Tonight there were moose. We're thinking perhaps next Saturday night we may see elephants. You just never know.

At any rate, it was a thrill to see the moose, and I hope we get a glimpse of them again soon! Cherie."

Mooseworld: Thank you for the report. It must be very special to be able to look for moose out of your picture window in Massachusetts.

"One of the most memorable events in my life came in 1978. A friend of mine and myself worked at a Longs Peak Inn and Dude Ranch in Estes Park, Colorado in 1978 following graduating from college in 1976. We were from Eastern United States and wanted to see the West. We took a three week trip exploring the Western United States after the ranch closed for the summer session in September. We stayed at Jackson Hole, Wyoming in the Tetons and took a drive on what I guess was The Parkway. It has been awhile since then. We parked along the side of the road and when I got out of the car, I was staring a bull moose right in the eyes. He was unbelievably close. My friend whispered, "Don't move." Well, I was so much in awe that I couldn't, but continued looking at him in as friendly a manner as I could. I don't know how much time elasped, but he turned and walked away. I didn't know anything about a moose but from the size of his enormous head, I knew that I didn't want to upset him! He seemed to sense that we were not there to hurt him. Tonya."

Mooseworld: Years later Jackson Hole is still a great place to see moose, although along the Parkway it's more likely you will see elk in the twilight. During the day, however, be sure to check out the Cottonwood Creek area across from the Taggert Lake trialhead. That's where we took the March, 2003 home page photo.

"Growing up in Montana, I thought I had seen all the moose there was to see. Then I moved to Kenai, Alaska. Since I arrived here last fall I have seen more moose than I can count. Moose at the post office, in the parking lot at work, on the airport runway, even at my front door. I currently have a cow and her two year old calf who have taken up residence on my property, they have been hanging out since Christmas. Although I enjoy the company of my new "pets" I really hope they don't get too comfortable, my husband may think I've lost my mind if I ask him to build a "moosehouse" for them. Anyway, from one moose lover to another, I highly recommend taking the time to visit up here—you won't be disappointed! Lisa."

Mooseworld: We are hearing more and more from correspondents in Alaska (see below). Good luck with your moose "family."

"My son and I lived in Anchorage, Alaska for one year. That wonderful experience ended one and one-half years ago, and I am still missing moose. There are around 1000 city moose in Anchorage, and they are alive and well in the local neighborhoods. I saw one give birth to twins in a neighbor's front yard, another standing sideways across a city cross country ski trail, seeming to enjoy holding a group of cross country skiers at bay, and another strip the bark off a white bark birch tree in thirty minutes flat. Birch trees are a favorite food, and fortunately there are plentiful white bark birch forests in Alaska. Most homes in Anchorage are short on landscaping because moose find landscaping to be tasty too. I once came upon a moose with her head dangling over a six foot side yard fence, like a large puppy dog. When the residents next door arrived home, she decided she didn't like their looks, and she skip hopped the fence and charged them. Moose are ungainly yet agile!

If they don't want to be watched, they will show you their backsides. If you don't get the hint, you might be sprayed with gravel, like I once was, after a quick flick of a hind leg. I have seen two absolutely huge males with the kind of racks you would swear were too large to really crown the head of any animal. One was napping in a front yard, and one jay-walked in front of me one morning on my way to work. Family aside, the two best things in life are moose and the Aurora Borealis. I can't get enough of them. The best tip I can give to someone wanting to see Alaskan moose is to look in the neighborhoods of Anchorage.

Moose are practical creatures and they know how to avoid bears and wolves. Suburban neighborhoods either in the early morning or just after dusk are sure bets for seeing moose up close. Just remember to stay in you car, keep quiet, keep a safe and respectful distance, and have a quick exit route planned. Alaskan moose dwarf horses, they have quick reflexes, and they can run 37 mph. Unbelievably, there are some people who throw rocks at them, and to a moose, one person looks like another. At least one Anchorage resident has been stomped after having met up with a moose who had just been pelted with rocks. Most of them prefer that you respect their personal space...even if their personal space happens to be in your yard. There is moose etiquette to be observed, and if you give them the respect they deserve, they will reward your sensitivity with lengthy opportunities to enjoy watching them go about their business. Joy."

Mooseworld: Thanks for the report on "city moose." There is no such thing as a stupid moose, but there are stupid people and we would include those rock-throwers among them.

"Three months ago (Fall, 2004) my family and I moved to West Yellowstone, Montana. We came from Ogden, Utah where we both worked full-time while trying to care for our two- year-old daughter. Stressed, over-tired, and aging too quickly, we looked to West Yellowstone to help us find our way back to a more peaceful way of life. After three months, we are back on track. Now my days are spent at home with my daughter. We take walks every day and enjoy our small house nestled in the pine trees.

About two weeks ago a mother and baby moose wandered right into our front yard! It was the first time I had ever seen a moose in person. I went crazy. I was overwhelmed and transformed. My mind raced. Did I have film in my camera? Were there batteries in my digital camera? In a frenzy I grabbed the first thing I could find handy—my camcorder. I let the tape run for almost five minutes as my connection to these creatures moved deep into my soul. I can't describe what happened that day but I am obsessed. I have been a professional portrait photographer for three years and I HAVE TO GET A PICTURE! My husband thinks I'm crazy but I watch for them all the time. I came to your Web site to learn more about their behavior so I can go find them. I will have to follow their tracks while wearing snowshoes and I'm a little nervous. I know to be careful, and I read your tips on safety. Your Web site let me know that I'm not alone. There are some people who cherish these creatures!

They are connected on a level they don't even understand. About two weeks ago I became one of them! Thanks for having a site like this one...it is inspiring! Ella."

Mooseworld: We could not agree more. See the Mooseopia section of Mooseworld for more views of moose and life.

"I wanted to tell you about a place in Pittsburg, New Hampshire. It is called Moose Alley. It is a road that is about 10-15 miles long that has a large population of moose. If you go at the right time of year your guaranteed to find at least one moose on your moose watching trip. I go up to Pittsburgh every year in early June and I see a minimum of 20 moose every year on a four day vacation. The road has several great moose sighting spots where the moose are always roaming. They do not mind cameras at all for they have gotten used to them over the years. You must be careful and drive slow because moose can come out into the road at any time. One time my grandpa was driving down the road and bull moose came right out of the woods. We only missed it by about three inches. The closest I have ever gotten to a moose there was close enough to touch it.

I have been to Pittsburg since I was three and they have been some of the best times of my life. I hope to pass on the tradition to my kids and theirs. Cam."

Mooseworld: We have had reports about Moose Alley before (and a few photos in our Stories and Photos section), but we are glad to know that it's still a great place to see moose. There is a nice tradition developing in this family too!

"On Sunday, December 12 [2004], early afternoon, in Amherst, New Hampshire, I was upstairs working on the computer. My fifteen year old son was down in the living room in front of the TV when suddenly, he calls to me, 'Dad, a moose!'

I thought he was maybe watching a nature show about moose. But then he said it was right outside in the back yard!

I saw it too and it was a good size bull with a pretty big rack. It was right on the edge of the woods and we had a good view of him for a couple minutes. He was probably headed for the boggy/swampy area about a quarter mile away from our house.

It was my son's first sighting and my second. My first bull sighting. Hope to get over to the swamp next weekend to maybe get another sighting. Woo-Hoo! Scott (dad) and Corey (son)."

Mooseworld: Thank you for this "family" sighting report. We were just talking today about moose sightings and that they are unique—there aren't really "elk sightings" or "bear sightings," in the same sense. Moose are so special.

"My daughters and I traveled to the western states last spring [2004], from the midwest, to see the Rockies. I've been a moose fanatic for a while now, but I had never seen one in the wild. We were staying in West Yellowstone, Montana and visiting Yellowstone Park daily, while I secretly hoped for just one moose sighting. To my surprise, on a snowy morning while driving on the outskirts of town, we saw a beautiful cow moose in a field near the highway as she was grazing in the snow. I was absolutely thrilled! I couldn't believe that I finally saw a wild moose. We were so happy that we just sat in our car for a while, watching her graze, while she totally ignored us. It was great!

After that sighting, I told my daughters it would be nice to see a bull next! I thought we had been lucky just to see one moose, and that would be the end of it. But only two days later, while driving along the highway in Wyoming, we saw a wild bull moose frolicking at the edge of some woods! He was so funny! We stopped along the highway, a good distance from him yet he was in full view, and watched. He'd graze a bit, then he'd run around some bushes and then take a running start and jumped over the bush! He was like a puppy playing and acting like the happiest animal in the world. We again sat and watched till he eventually disappeared into the woods.

That was the best trip ever, two moose in two days! Thanks Montana and Wyoming! Eve."

Mooseworld: This is our main moose sighting area too, especially in Grand Teton National Park. No matter how many moose you see you still appreciate their grandeur.