legs on parade

In the neighborhood this week, we've noticed this proud mom and a newly arrived resident. It's June, and time to see the new critters showing up all over. Don't mess with mama...she can chase and kick a wild streak if she thinks you're threatening her young 'un. Fortunately, they've found green, growing, living, delicious morsels to munch on, and this seems to hold their interest pretty well.









The little guy is so cute, with clumsy, uncoordinated legs that waver and buckle. His curiosity is much like a wiry two year old child, taking in his new world with vigor and gusto. He is easily side-tracked with a newly discovered plant or smell, gazing absently at lively camera-laden photographers behind glass, then galloping awkwardly to catch up with mom.








Some interesting moose factos:
-Newborn moose calves weigh between 28-35 lbs., and within two months grow up to 400 POUNDS!
-Moose eat 40-50 lbs of vegetation in a day!
-Moose are color-blind, but see well in low light.
-They have a large blind spot directly in front of them, because of their eye position, and have to roll their eyes forward to see things there. (isn't that wild!)
-They can move both their eyes and ears independently of each other. (are you doing the visual? It's cracking me up!)
_They compensate for their poor eyesight by having excellent senses of hearing and smell.
-The "dewlap" of loose flesh under their chin is called a "bell".
-A moose can run at speeds of up to 35 miles an hour. They can run that pace for up to 15 miles without stopping for a rest. (whew!)
-Moose can swim ten miles in a session at the speed of 6 miles per hour. They are also able to dive into depths of 20 feet of water. Moose can also float, thanks to their hollow hair.
-What odd and interesting creatures these critters are. Well, I say God had a sense of humor when he sat down and designed them. It's a privilege to see them up close and observe them in the wilds of our Alaskan neighborhood.