Beginning sometime in June, bull Moose begin regrowing the antlers. The bulls would have spent the winter months antlerless. I typically don’t spend a lot of time with the Moose at that time of the year. Their June coats are usually mangy and shaggy—far from photogenic! Gradually, through July, their winter fur is replaced with a sleek, summer coat and their new antlers begin to take shape.
On numerous occasions, I’ve overheard tour guides telling their clients that Moose are “solitary” animals. Especially during the time they are growing their velvet covered antlers, I’ve found them to be quite social. Normally, a group will consist of two to six bulls, but will occasionally include a cow or a cow and calf. Possibly, this behavior gives them extra security with all the extra eyes and ears—alert for predators or other kinds of danger. I guess the guides read about the solitary nature of Moose in a book, but I find it to be an incorrect statement for our Wyoming Shiras Moose in and around Grand Teton National Park! The guides never like it if I challenge them on the statement even if, at the time, they are looking at four bulls together.
Continue reading "Moose Velvet Period — The End of the Beginning"
Even though the barn and buildings are accessible to the public, few people actually visit the location. I suspect there are two major reasons for the lack of tourist activity. One: It takes a mile to mile and a half hike on a slightly inclined road. Two: Many people are unsure if it is legal to go there. I can help with the latter. Continue reading "“Up” Memory Lane in Grand Teton National Park – The Hunter Hereford Ranch" 
