A wild moose encounter sparks creativity and awe

This State of Mine: Animals
Moose sighting

The dinner party ended at about 9:30. When we headed out, it was in mist-laden darkness down a steep, winding, and all together unfamiliar road. With steady pressure on the brake pedal, we headed for the main road. But as I rounded the last curve, I saw movement just ahead on the right and slammed brake pedal to the floor.

It was a moose.

The car jolted to a stop, and we watched the moose cross the road in a slow-motion stroll, passing just inches from the car’s bumper. The moose had our attention; it was as if it had cast a spell. Our heads swiveled from right to left in unison, following the moose cross the road until it vanished into the brush. Gone as mysteriously as it had appeared.

The moose never glanced our way. I can’t imagine it was unaware of us, it just didn’t seem to care. And with good reason. Moose can weigh upwards of 1,400 pounds and stand over six feet tall. It was big ... we were in its way.

What is the Maine state animal? The moose. Visitors from all over the world come to Maine for moose sightings.

My collage work started as a hobby and the moose was one of my early pieces. Did you notice the eye? After I added the Nike swirl of white to the eye, it seemed the moose was looking back at something, so I added the butterfly.

This infographic came together shortly after the moose crossing. I was fascinated by its size and beauty and wanted to know more. Two things surprised me:

1) How many moose there are wandering about in the woods, and

2) The flap of skin hanging from the neck is called the bell. Easy to see why.

What about you? Have you had an encounter with a wild animal in your state? Which one? If not, is there an animal that captures your attention?

Think about different ways you could share what you’ve experienced or learned about the animal. Create a sketch, do a collage, do some research, or write a story (real or fiction). Maybe there's a book you could read.

Learning is a rewarding distraction. It leaves you with information and knowledge you can use in so many ways. Something you learn may one day a question on Jeopardy!