Although I am a native New Englander, I am a "Flatlander" by New England standards, and as such, I grew up without ever having seen a moose.  It was not until I ventured to Northern Maine in 1994 (in my early 30s) that I encountered my first Maine Moose.  At a little pond at the base of Mount Katahdin, I sat for hours watching them come and go, frequently paying me little regard, occasionally as curious about me as I was about them.

Over the years I have returned to Baxter State Park many times.  Solitude is not difficult to find there, and if you're patient, the encounters with the local inhabitants can be as breath-taking as the scenery itself.

The bulls tend to be aloof, and finding one that will tolerate your presence for any length of time is a challenge.  The yearlings, recently chased away by their mothers so they can tend to their new calves, are unaccustomed to being alone, and are almost longing for contact of any kind.

The cows are very protective of their calves.  Their "fight-or-flight" distance (where they will either charge you or flee to protect their young) is generally considered to be about 150 feet.  It is unwise to venture any closer to a cow and her calf.  On a recent visit, a mother and calf wandered near me, and lingered for some time.  I watched them graze, I watched the young calf nurse, and at one point the mother drew so close that I had to withdraw while she pondered my gear.  When it was done, nearly 40 minutes later, I was so moved by the experience that I had to sit down and quietly contemplate my good fortune.

BSP0906-137

BSP06-0445

BSP06-0282

BSP061404-0210r

BSP061404-0220r