gaiagirl said:
forestgnome,
Moose usually wean their young after about 6 months or so. In NH most moose will have babies in late spring or early summer, but sometimes this is as late as late summer or even early fall. My guess is that the young one in your picture is about to be turned away by his mom any time now.
I think you and Unadogger are right; I think the calf was just unsucessfully trying to nurse, maybe out of habit. She's probably too old for that now, and as Gaiagirl states, she'll be on her own in the near future. Mom is still protecting her from predators, though.
eec, good question. I need to find a good resouce for moose biology that's not scientifically over my head, but more in-depth than most of the stuff I find.
Tim, thanks! It's just being out there alot, combined with good luck! Once you see them you can enhance you viewing by being slow and quiet, avoiding too much eye contact and acting like a browser, not a predator.
Yesterday, while snowshoeing around the area b/w UNH trail and Downes Brook, I found the same two moose. I slowly approached and hung out with them for two hours. It was awesome listening to them munch, and watching them in their habitat.
mmm...striped maple bark
Eventually mom grew tired and layed down to nap. Then she called her baby with a fairly loud grunt.
The calf came over and layed down near mama.
Mama started to snooze. I could hear her breathing get deep and slow.
This was a great moment. I stayed for a long time watching them nap and listening to the sounds in the forest. Mama's ears turned toward every new sound even though her eyes were closed and her chin was on the ground resting. It was getting dark so I said "good night" and slowly moved away from the area.
Happy Trails
