A Mother’s Love

When moose are born into the world, they are completely helpless and rely entirely on their mother for support and safety. A single born baby moose calf will typically weigh around 30 pounds, while twins will weigh somewhat less, approximately 14 pounds each. During this vulnerable time, the calves are at significant risk from predators, so to protect her precious offspring, the cow moose will keep her calf completely hidden away from view for several days. Interestingly, young moose are born with excellent hearing and a keen sense of smell, both critical for their survival in the wild. Unfortunately, however, the calf moose has poor eyesight, which is similar to that of adult moose. Remarkably, after just a few short days, a moose calf is not only capable of running but can actually outrun a human. Moose gain weight at an incredible rate during their first year of life. In fact, a calf will gain more than 1 pound a day during the spring months and later sees an astonishing growth rate, accumulating over 4 pounds a day. While hiking in breathtaking Grand Teton National Park, I unexpectedly came upon this serene mother moose and her calf. I spent some time sitting quietly, observing their beautiful interaction. The undeniable bond of a mother’s love is something truly noticeable throughout nature. In that moment, I could see this devoted mom lying comfortably next to her calf, and the deep connection they shared was palpable. I felt incredibly fortunate to capture this touching moment, framed perfectly in time. Just a few minutes after I took the shot, an irresponsible tourist made the poor decision to approach the mom and calf too closely. The mother stood right up and began to make aggressive gestures towards the person, a clear warning. That individual quickly realized the size and power of the protective mother and promptly moved away to ensure both their safety and the well-being of the moose family.

Location: Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming