Massive Moose Mother Interrupts Fishermen as It Emerges From a River With Her Tiny Calf - A-Z Animals

When you go fishing in Kenai, Alaska, you may catch more than you bargained for! This spectacular footage shows a mother moose and a calf interrupting a fishing trip. As the fishermen look on in wonder, the two moose travel sedately by as if this is a perfectly normal way to travel!

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Where Do Moose Normally Live?

Moose are the largest members of the deer family and one of the largest land mammals in North America. What’s more, the moose that live in Alaska are the largest that you will find! They are distributed throughout northern North America. Their range is the same as the area covered by the circumpolar boreal forests. As well as large populations throughout Alaska, Canada, and other areas of the northeastern United States, they are found as far south as the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. You are quite likely to see moose when you are fishing because they are often found near streams, rivers, or ponds where there are willow trees. On the other hand, you will not find moose in areas that have a hot climate. They cannot sweat and cannot tolerate temperatures above 27 degrees Celsius for very long.

In Alaska, moose are normally seen from the Unuk River east of Wrangell in Southeast Alaska to the Colville River on the Arctic Slope. You’re most likely to find them in recently burned areas. Here they find dense growths of willow, aspen, and birch shrubs. You are also likely to find them along the major rivers of South Central and interior Alaska.

How Well Can Moose Swim?

The moose family in this clip looked pretty relaxed in the water! They may not look like the most athletic of animals but you will be surprised at how well moose can move! These guys can run at up to 35 mph. Also, the water holds no fear for them. They can swim at up to six mph and can keep this up for two hours! Considering that a bull moose can weigh up to 1,600 pounds this is quite extraordinary. Moose have long, hollow hairs that give them both buoyancy and insulation.

It’s common to see them wading and swimming in lakes and ponds as they forage for tender aquatic plants. They have even been seen diving into the water to pick up plants from the riverbed! Moose are herbivores and do not eat fish so they are not in competition with this fisherman!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Mark Byer/Shutterstock.com