Alaska Photos ~ Alaska Stock Photography ~ Alaska Pictures

Bull and cow moose in snowstorm, Denali National Park, Alaska

Moose in Alaska go into a rut (breeding season) in late September and October. During this time, bull moose become active and roam the tundra in search for cows. Bulls will challenge each other with bouts of rattling antlers which may ultimately end in a fight for dominance.

After spending a few days in Denali park seeking out moose, I found a group of about 12 cows with two or three bulls all seeking the dominant position, which earns them the right to breed. I spent about three days with this group, waiting for photographic opportunities.

On this day, temperatures hung around 30 degrees F, which resulted in a rather wet snowfall, translating into wet cameras and gear! The snow also stuck easily to trees and especially the large palmate antlers of the bull moose. I like the bull moose in the foreground with the cow slightly blurred in the background, since it helps to communicate the “standing guard” mode the bulls take in the attempt to chase off any challengers.

As for my presence, the moose seemed unbothered. Generally, I would stay seated near a tree and the moose would move around me. Once in a while, if they approached too close, I would back off. But at no time was any aggression displayed to me.

This is one of the earlier photos in my career, and holds fond memories because I was just learning about the behavior and natural history of the Moose during the rut season.

Subject:

Bull and cow moose

Location:

Denali National Park, Alaska

Camera - film - gear:

• Canon EOS630
• 80-200mm, f2.8L
• f2.8 @ 1/125 second
• 100 ISO Provia
• Gitzo Tripod

Field Notes