They’re bulky, they’re angular, they’re so unattractive they’ve become beautiful. The moose in Maine is on the loose. Ever since the Maine legislature approved an image of a moose in the state seal in 1820 these gangly and klutzy looking creatures have endeared themselves into our hearts. The 19th century author and naturalist, Henry David Thoreau, upon seeing a moose on his visit to Maine, regarded them as “God’s horses.”
Even with all the natural wonders and historic places Maine has to offer many visitors feel somewhat unfulfilled if they don’t see a moose while they’re here. Never before has there been such a moose phenomenon.
One Maine town holds a festival called MooseMainea. It includes events such as Tour de Moose, Moose Tales and Moosterpiece Craft Fair. It’s impossible to visit a gift shop without seeing moose paraphernalia of some sort. Be on the look out for moose shaped pasta, moose cookies and an all time favorite, chocolate moose. There’s even a website devoted to the loveable moose.
If a moose is in your vicinity they’re easy to spot because nothing else looks like a moose. It’s the largest land animal in the northern hemisphere. An average Maine bull weighs about 1,000 pounds, is six feet high at the shoulder and nine feet long. Only the bull has antlers. A female might weigh in at 600 pounds. They can run up to 35 miles per hour.
It’s estimated that the size of the moose herd in Maine numbers at 30,000. This is the largest in the lower 48 states.
As cuddly and docile as they seem they do pose a danger. Be wary of approaching a moose because when threatened they will attack. With their dark coat they can be difficult to see against shaded trees and may wander into your path as you drive by. Accidents do occur, often with serious injuries.
It’s possible to see a moose anywhere, although they seem to prefer marshy areas and the sides of ponds or lakes where they find food. Sometimes you’ll spot them on the side of the road as they search for salt left from winter plowing. Sunrise, sunset and mid-day are good times for moose to come out of the woods.
Many would like to photograph a moose deep in a lagoon munching on vegetation as an official recognition of their visit. But a photograph is not required. Just the thrill of seeing a moose somewhat up close is enough to provide bragging rights for the folks back home.
Sometimes when you go fishing in western Maine it’s fun to actually catch a fish. Other times casting a line in the open air in the middle of a smooth lake or along the banks of a rushing river surrounded by beautiful scenery makes for time well spent.
When you and your team climb into the raft and shove off into the river your heart starts to race a little faster. You swallow hard and look ahead to see the river current picking up speed. From around the bend you hear the excited shouts of rafters that left before you. You’re sure they must have reached the first dip in the water’s insistent flow as the roar of cascading water grows louder.