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A wild moose encounter sparks creativity and awe

4/8/2020

6 Comments

 
Moose collage with butterfly stamp
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.
Infographic of moose

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!

When I created the moose collage I never would have imagined I’d include it in a feature like This State of Mine.

Next up? Landmarks and history with a focus on statues: more than a pigeon perch.

p.s. If you're new to Waystation Whistle or the April playbook, it's not too late to join.
6 Comments
Kathi Lohry
4/8/2020 06:13:02 pm

Nothing so impressive as a moose...
In the patio area behind the place I work, there's an orange tree, and I keep seeing all these little bitty bits of orange peel on the ground. One day I caught the culprit red-handed - a squirrel! Till then, I did not know that squirrels are fruit eaters.

Reply
Chrissy link
4/9/2020 07:10:49 am

Hi Kathi - I know, squirrels eat acorns?! We put a pumpkin on the porch one year and went out the next day to find something had been nibbling on it. Squirrels. That was surprising, but not as much as an orange!

Reply
Ellen Thayer
4/9/2020 03:25:38 am

That moose collage is fantastic Christine!! And the info graphic too! You're such a gifted visual artist.

Meanwhile, I was hiking up the Mt. Percival / Mt. Morgan loop trail near Squam lake in NH (a great hike with caves!) a bunch of years ago when I heard rustling in the woods to my right up ahead. I immediately stopped and a moment later a baby moose crossed the trail in front of me about 20 feet away. As it disappeared into the woods on the left, I heard a crashing in the woods on the right and soon emerged massive mama! Thankfully, she never glanced my way as she plodded along - probably because I was keeping a low profile by holding my breath while frozen in fear. I'll never forget how tiny I felt in comparison to that enormous wild beast - a humbling experience indeed!

Reply
Chrissy link
4/9/2020 07:13:48 am

Hi Ellen,
That was a close call. I've never seen a baby moose with its mother, but I know they can be aggressive ... smart to stay still and hold your breath (probably instinct on your part!). And from my own experience, you're right, they are massive animals!

Reply
Sandy
4/9/2020 04:24:26 am

Well that’s a gorgeous moose collage and great story! So glad you were going slow and paying attention, I know when cars and moose meet it can be damaging to both! Appreciate you sharing your story and for inspiring me! I have not seen a moose up close like you. Leaving Alton Bay, NH on a drive home from Gilford, I saw all these cars pulled over near a waterway/swamp. Of course, I wanted to see what the fuss was about. Off in the distance, there was a huge moose standing in the water, with trees and mountains in the background. Beck was asleep in the back of the car (the kids were little) so only Rachel and I saw the majestic moose. Beck will never let me forget that! Another time, Beck and I were hiking back down the Jewell Trail from the summit of Mt. Washington. We just missed seeing a moose! Other students on the hike were lucky (and they were in awe/scared of its size!). Still hoping to see a moose, but hopefully not on a road or highway.

Reply
Chrissy link
4/9/2020 06:36:29 am

Hi Sandy!
I know, it's so rare to see a moose. The only other time I saw one was how you saw one, off the side of the road in a swamp. It's crazy to think they're out there wandering around the woods and we never see them!

Reply



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