Big Bull Moose in Big Sky Country!

Big Bull Moose in Red Lodge, Montana - October 2009

This bull moose was spotted just south of Red Lodge, Montana on the morning of October 6, 2009.

I got alerted to his presence by my dogs who kept on barking.  He was standing there (big and tall) and I could not believe his sheer size and the contrast of his figure with the snow (hard to miss seeing him once you have your head turned in the right direction!).  I was able to get my camera and take this photo through the slight opening of my door.   However, the loud barking of my dogs also alerted him of my presence and he did not want to stay around for more photos.  He started running away and not even my powerful zoom lens could snap another good photo of him.  

My previous bull moose sighting was about a year ago and in the same spot as if the moose (not sure if it the same one) decided to pay me an annual visit.   Not sure what hit me (perhaps the fact that I was running out of photos to share on my Moose Monday group and needed some new ones) but it took me a few seconds to decide to go on a moose chase, a first!  I made sure to attend to the dogs and leave them securely in the house, put on some warm clothes (I was still in my comfortable morning clothes but did not bother changing, only adding more layers), put my winter boots on, take my camera, hop in the car and go on a moose chase!  The adrenaline was rushing in me.... 

See the continuation at:

Moose Monday - Going on a Moose Chase in Red Lodge, Montana

Gerry Khatchikian, ASA, TRC (4 languages spoken: English, French, Spanish, Armenian)
Realtor Associate

All photos and/or written content produced by Gerry Khatchikian. All rights reserved and may not be reproduced or reprinted without express written permission of Gerry Khatchikian, Realtor Associate.

 
This post has been included in Montana Real Estate News Carbon County, MT Real Estate News Red Lodge, MT Real Estate News
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20 Comments on Moose Monday - Big Bull Moose in Big Sky Country!

OCT
12
2009
289,993 Points 2 Featured Posts

The logo used for Moose Monday is a cropped photo of the bull moose which I took a photo of in October of 2008.  Not sure if it is the same one but one thing is sure he was big and tall!
9:39am • #1
471,280 Points 26 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Called Shot Master

Hi Gerry, This is an awesome shot! They are huge animals aren't they? I'm glad to hear you decided to go on a moose chase , I can't wait to see the other photos!

One day my friend told me she had a mama moose and her calf in her yard that morning, I was so excited to see, that I drove through the Village for an hour on my "moose hunt" -- but, I never did spot them!!
9:47am • #3
134,328 Points 4 Featured Posts Outside Blog

I love it up there.  Great pic.
10:22am • #4
289,993 Points 2 Featured Posts

Hi Mary,

I can`t wait to post more photos of this bull moose.   I did not see any moose on my last trip to Yellowstone (in September) so instead, the moose decided to visit me.  :) 

If you want to see a mama moose and her calf in the yard, you can check this previous Moose Monday post of mine: Moose Monday - Moose in the Backyard in Red Lodge

 
10:49am • #5
172,215 Points 11 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp

Gerry

This is a great photo. Exactly how close were you to this moose?
10:50am • #6
289,993 Points 2 Featured Posts

Mike,

Thanks.  Something tells me you have already visited Montana and saw that we some things are also big in Montana.
10:53am • #7
289,993 Points 2 Featured Posts

Deborah,

I would say that his was about 100 yards away when I first spotted him.  I managed to get to within 50 yards of him when I chased him in my car but for my safety, to avoid any dents on my car and out of respect to the moose, I did not venture any closer.
10:57am • #8
243,940 Points 18 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Hi Gerry!
Your country must just lend itself to fabulous photos...because you have really shared some wonderful ones! I shared this one with my hubby. He use to hunt up your way...gave it up when they were more fun to look at than eat...thank goodness!
2:06pm • #9
289,993 Points 2 Featured Posts

Hi Paula,

I have never taken as many photos as I have since moving to Montana. there sure are lots of fabulous photo opportunities thanks to Mother Nature.  I strongly favor the looking more than the hunting/eating.  Thank you for visitng this post and sharing the beauty.
2:16pm • #10
196,535 Points 10 Featured Posts Outside Blog

He is healthy and gorgeous isnt he? Beard and all! Pretty awesome.... I will look forward to the next shot! thanks
11:42pm • #11
OCT
13
2009
805,327 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Gerry - It's so nice to see a moose with antlers so that we know that the many of the quarters that we Canadians cart around are based on real animals.

He or one of his friends probably comes by at this time every year to see what Canadians in Red Lodge are cooking for Canadian Thanksgiving and he reports back to his friends in the great white north.
6:42am • #12
171,489 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hi Gerry, it was great you have your dogs alert you! Another great photo, you must be very fast with that camera of yours! Me...not so much :(
9:02am • #13
289,993 Points 2 Featured Posts

Debra,

You are welcome.  He sure looked healthy and a fast runner!   Thanks for participating in this group.
10:29am • #14
289,993 Points 2 Featured Posts

Marc,

Although I see many Canadian flags in Red Lodge, I am not sure what the Canadians in Red Lodge were cooking for Thanksgiving (I have yet to do a census to figure out how many Canadians live in Red Lodge).   I know that I was pleasantly surprised last year when I saw a resident with a gym bag with the Montreal Canadiens logo.  I hope you and my friends in the great white North had a very happy Thanksgiving.  We get to celebrate the U.S. Thanksgiving next month and without a doubt there should lots of turkey cooking.
10:36am • #15
289,993 Points 2 Featured Posts

Cynthia,

I am in the West after all and I want to believe that I am as fast as I can be when it comes to taking photos with my digital camera which is never too far away from me.  :)
10:38am • #16
OCT
14
2009
627,608 Points 16 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Wow...there's snow in Montana...already? Oh wait..the mountains, right?

That's a beautiful picture of a moose you got there, Gerry. I've never seen one before. Do they always come that close to human dwellings?
9:34am • #17
337,460 Points 9 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hi Gerry ~ He's absolutely majestic.  What a great shot! It could be a poster or a calendar page.

Liz
9:48pm • #18
OCT
15
2009
289,993 Points 2 Featured Posts

William,

Yes, there is snow on the mountains and a little bit in town.   Most of the snow is expected to melt by the end of today.    Thank you for the positive feedback.   The moose usually do not venture close to the human dwellings although once in a while some can be seen in town.  Feel free to visit my blog on Mondays for more moose photos.
11:33am • #19
289,993 Points 2 Featured Posts

Liz,

I am glad you liked the majestic moose.   I actually printed this photo and framed it.  :)
11:34am • #20
OCT
19
2009
137,526 Points

Nice photo Gerry. He's a sleek-coated, majestic beast...reminds me of my days in Alaska.
8:34pm • #21


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