Moose Gets Within Feet of Estes Park Photographer

A lot of people have it in their heads that moose are harmless good natured forest oafs that just kind of lumber around and passively eat greenery but make no mistake about it, if a moose decides you are threat they can be incredibly dangerous. Imagine having a 6 foot+ 1,500lbs animal swinging its hooves at you and you start to get the picture. Not much info about this encounter with a moose by a photographer in Estes Park, Colorado but suffice it to say that his long lens was under utilized. The National Park Service recommends visitors maintain a distance of 120ft from moose at all times…I think this dude may have gotten a touch closer than that:

HERE’S SOME MOOSE FACTS:

Moose, scientifically known as Alces alces, are the largest species in the deer family (Cervidae).
They are found in the northern regions of North America, Europe, and Asia.
Moose have a distinctive appearance with long legs, a humped shoulder, and a large, bulbous snout.
Adult males, called bulls, can reach heights of up to 6.5 feet (2 meters) at the shoulder and weigh between 1,200 to 1,600 pounds (540 to 720 kilograms).
Female moose, known as cows, are slightly smaller and lighter than bulls.
Both males and females have impressive antlers, with the bulls sporting larger and more elaborate antlers, which can span up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) from tip to tip.
Moose have excellent swimming abilities and are known to cross rivers and lakes with ease.
Their diet consists mainly of vegetation, including leaves, twigs, and aquatic plants. They are herbivores.
Moose have a specialized upper lip that allows them to grasp and strip the bark from trees to reach their preferred food sources.
During the mating season, known as the rut, bulls engage in vocal displays and compete with each other for mating rights.
Calves are usually born in the spring or early summer, and moose mothers are fiercely protective of their young.
Moose are well adapted to cold climates, with a thick coat of fur that provides insulation in harsh winter conditions.
Despite their size, moose are surprisingly agile and can run at speeds of up to 35 miles per hour (56 kilometers per hour).
Moose are generally solitary animals but may form small groups during certain times of the year.
Conservation efforts are in place to protect moose populations and their habitats, as they play an important role in ecosystems and are considered an iconic symbol of the northern wilderness.