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| Mama Moose and her baby in the early spring |
We have watched with fascination all season in our campground a mama moose and her baby interacting in the field across from our site. I think they felt safe here far away from the crowds of the campground and often slept in the tall grass at night. This week a tragic event occurred when a rutting male moose in pursuit of the mother led to her tragic death. A horde of photographers and spectators heightened the excitement of the male moose and crowded around the pair. The mama moose started to run and stumbled over a picnic table landing on top of a fire grate severing her hip and shattered her leg. The park service had to euthanize her. The baby moose was beating at her side and had to be moved away.
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| Male Moose |
The concentration of moose now in our campground has lured an increasing number of safari and tour companies into our area attempting to show their paying customers wildlife. However, they are not totally at fault. Campers and tourists have also been flocking in as well in huge groups trailing after the moose. Fall is a very dangerous time to be near a moose and this tragic event proves how important it is to give these majestic animals their space. The Grand Teton National Park has now implemented some steps to close off more of the campground but we have noticed that many folks don't think these rules apply to them. The Park Service has had a difficult time enforcing the rules because some people say "this is public land and I have a right to be here". Really...how can someone possibly feel this is their right. Click here for recent article in local paper.
As a blogger and nature lover I love to photograph animals, birds, and scenery to help capture some of the delightful moments we have witnessed. However, I don't think every moment needs a photograph and it's important to always remember if you are affecting an animal or birds behavior in any way you are too close. During rut season for moose a 100 yard distance should be respected at a minimum Our cameras have tremendous zooms and we certainly don't need to approach too closely to get a good shot. Please give all animals and birds their space and rein in your pursuit of the perfect photograph. It's just not worth it.
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| Orphan baby moose photographed this spring |
Oh no, that is terrible. That poor mama moose, such a shame! I feel so badly for the poor little one, what will the do with it? You are so right with your post, we have come up on moose a number of times and we always give them room, they are wild and you just don't know what they might do!
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That really is too bad.
ReplyDeleteI read about this...it breaks my heart. People just go crazy sometimes...we see it often in Yellowstone.
ReplyDeleteI also posted this on a Facebook page for full time RVers. I particularly thought this "rant" by Craig Rollins was very thoughtful and exemplified how I really feel as well.
ReplyDelete"My wife and have seen this sort of thing time and time again. Most folks just don't no how to act when they are around wildlife. You want to ask them just what part of the word, "Wild" do you not understand. Just a suggestion to those wanna be nature photographers, your camera phone, computer tablet and/or point and shoot camera are not good enough. A point and shoot might work if it has a decent zoom and is mounted on a solid surface, monopod or a tripod. What you really need is a good camera with a telephoto or zoom lens that will allow you to take that shot from a distance without disturbing the animals. If you just like to observe, then a good pair of binoculars are in order, and observe from a distance. Recently, a young girl (7, I think) was kicked while trying to feed a wild horse on Wild Horse Island on Flathead Lake in MT. Obviously, this is one of my pet peeves. I'll stop now. Just my two cents. Rant mode off. lol :) "
I was just so sad to read about this and outraged that people would be so selfish in their desire to get pictures or even to give their clients a bang for their buck. What part of wild don't you understand is right. I agree totally with John and Carol. This is one of my pet peeves too. Our parks are not zoos. We are the guests and the moose are the residents. I'm so glad you have highlighted this tragedy. Why don't thinks like this make the national news where everyone can see them and be properly educated??
ReplyDeleteSometimes it is hard to believe that we are supposed to be the smarter species:(
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