North American Moose (Alces alces).
They can stand almost 7 feet (2.1 meters) at the shoulder, and an adult bull can weigh anywhere between 840 and 1,500 lbs (380-700kg).
So yes, BIG!
For anyone wondering, yes this is a 100% wild moose, and yes I was very close. In fact, since I had to step out of his way as he went to cross the road. Moments after the last shot in my previous post was taken, he passed by close enough that I could have reached out and touched his antler.
If you have any questions about my encounter with this wonderful guy, or any other photography related questions, please feel free to ask.
Jeff Sinon Photography 
He is a beauty…what an experience Jeff to get this close.
Thanks Jo, it really was. It was so impressive that he just started walking right at me, secure that I would give way to him passing. Had I stood my ground he may have veered off at the last minute, maybe not. I wasn’t going to press my luck. I’m not afraid of a moose, but they are coming into the rut, and the bulls can be very unpredictable. Being close enough to touch him was enough 🙂
Oh yes that is big… great photos Jeff
And he isn’t the biggest I’ve ever encounter, not by a long shot. But I’ve never been this close to any of the moose I’ve come across.
Awesome photos!! Please tell me you were using a telephoto lens and weren’t actually that close!!
Yes, but only 200mm, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t that close. Would have been even closer if I wanted to play “chicken” with him to see if he would go around at the last second, or just push me out of the way. He won that game 😀
LOL!!
wow! that’s big!
Most definitely! And awe inspiring being so close!
Splendid shots!! That had to be an amazing feeling to be that close.
Thank you, and that is an understatement. Not quite as exhilarating as the black bear sow with three cubs I photographed in the same area a few years ago, but exciting none the less. But then again, there’s little chance a moose will eat me 😛
You are lucky to get such nice pictures. I spent 3 weeks in Canada and only saw a glimpse of one from faaaaaaar away!!!
Then you need to come to New Hampshire! In the northern town of Pittsburg, next stop Canadian boarder, if you can’t see a moose, you’re just not looking. In my former life as an avid bird hunter, we NEVER didn’t encounter moose in this area.
That was mighty brave of you Jeff :). I really like the photos.. spectacular angle, and he is giving you the eye 😀
Yes, the “If you don’t move, I’ll move you” look!
😀
Despite living in northern MN, I have only encountered moose in the wild up here once — but it was times three! On my way to an early morning meeting in Ely, I came around a corner of the winding road, and in my way were 3 moose — a mama and 2 adolescents (probably 80% her size). They are massive, aren’t they? I wished I had my camera with me that morning in the car, as one walked off to one side of the road and two to the other after I politely tapped my horn, and then crawled the car in between them as they solemnly watched me go. Such great detail in your head shots of this handsome fellow. ~ Kat
Don’t you just hate it when you have an encounter like that and the camera is at home. I’ve had the same type of thing happen to me more than once.
Very cool encounter! It’s amazing he was so docile…especially this time of year.
I have a story you may find amusing…we sure did…
http://dhphotosite.wordpress.com/?s=kanc
Yes it was, and you’re right. With the rut coming on they can be very unpredictable. Very happy he was nice that day.
gorgeous pictures! the moose is one of my favorite animals ever! loved your entry, of course, then!
Thank you very much, so glad you stopped by! 🙂
Wonderful Pictures, Jeff. You are a really brave man to go so close to him and to capture these pictures. As always I liked your interpretation a lot. Have a great Sunday!
Thanks Arindam, but it was more like he came close to me. Though not afraid of moose, I do have a respect for all wildlife and generally let them have their space.
These are great shots!
Thank you!
Big indeed. Are they usually that uncaring about their proximity to humans?
Surprisingly, they can be. Getting this close is a little unusual, but not by much. As big as they are, they really have nothing to fear in the woods.
This time of year the bulls can be unpredictable though, so I never turned my back on him as I stepped out of his way to let him pass.