They're back!
October 5th
The moose are back! We saw twins yesterday.
They've spent the summer months in the high country, moving down to lower areas for mating season. The "rut" is coming to an end now. Moose breed in the fall with the peak of the rut activities coming in late September and early October. Adult males joust during the rut by bring their antlers together and pushing. The winner of this pushing ritual gets the girls.
Only males have antlers. Antlers are shed every year from November to January. Males will begin to grow new antlers in the spring. Trophy-sized antlers normally come with moose that are 10 to 12 years old. Moose in the wild rarely live past 16.
Cow moose generlly breed at a little over two years old, often resulting in twins, and once in a while there are triplets. When they are born, calves weigh anywhere from 28 to 35 pounds. Cow moose are quite dangerous as they tend to be a little paranoid about protecting their calves--it's common for calves to end up as dinner for wolves and bears. She will nurture her young until they are about a year old, then she will chase them off to fend for themselves.
The twins stick together for a few months while they figure out how to survive on their own. Willow Birch, and Aspen twigs, are a favorite food. Gardens and lawns make great places to bed down and take a nap if you happen to be a moose. Adult females can weigh in at 1,300 pounds, males at 1,600 pounds. Disturbing them, or chasing them away usually isn't an option, they'll move when they're good and ready.
This time of year is my favorite time, autmun leaves, baked goodies, warm sweaters, and moose.
