Moose as seen in Charlotte Croft’s yard. This photo was quickly snapped by her, through the window. Charlotte saw this particular moose in Vermont. He quickly realized that she had spotted him and went trotting off into the woods.
As we drive the highways and byways of New England, we often encounter “Moose Crossing” caution road signs. I have often thought that these were strategically-placed to thrill the tourists into thinking that a moose might soon appear. In the many years that I have lived in New Hampshire, I can count on one hand the times I have seen a real moose wandering around.
Once, I saw one nibbling water weeds in a culvert in Jacksonville, NH. Another sighting was in a swampy area just north of Keepsake Quilting in Centre Harbor, NH. The third sighting was when a moose appeared in the middle of the road in my hometown of Deerfield, NH. So, actually, I would need only three fingers to hold up, to account for these sightings.
Moose are called the “gentle giants of the North.” They are amazingly tall. I am amused at how ungangly they seem and how awkward they are in their stride. Every now and then, especially during rutting season, male moose will expand their “territory” to the streets of Boston. Usually animals who stray that far afield of usual habitat are put down, and an autopsy reveals that the animal suffered from brain worm disease.
Many people enjoy eating moose meat. I remember meeting a family who had just “run into” a moose (with a vehicle) in Maine and were told they could keep the animal. They said it would feed them well, all winter. Every year, a limited number of moose hunting permits are granted. They are coveted.
The photo shown here looks like a statue. It was the real McCoy. Additional photos, that were not posted, show him running off. These kinds of wildlife sightings are just one of the reasons why residents love New England. Hope you enjoyed seeing the photo. Thanks, Charlotte.
Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications
Tags: moose sighting in VT
