Re: [Paddlewise] Being Run Down by Wildlife - Moose?

From: Craig Jungers <crjungers_at_gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:56:11 -0700
On Wed, Jul 22, 2009 at 9:52 PM, Derek <glamourpets_at_yahoo.com> wrote:

>
> In some areas, its common to come around a river bend to see a moose
> chomping on lillies.  Usually they just casually wander back into the bush.
>  Are there any cases where these MOOSE have become violent?
>
>
Just east of Spokane, WA there is a lake in Idaho called Priest Lake. There
are actually two lakes by that name... an lake upper (northern) and a lower
lake connected by a relatively narrow waterway called the "thoroughfare".
Thirty years ago the thoroughfare was only about 10 yards wide but now it's
50 years wide in most places because powerboaters who go through it have a
difficult time understanding that "slow" doesn't just mean slower than 50mph
and "no wake" doesn't mean "not much wake". But I digress...

Every time I've paddled through the thoroughfare between upper and lower
Priest Lake I've seen at least one moose kneecap deep in the water
nonchalantly munching on delectable water goodies. Canoe, kayaks and
powerboats (with their sound systems on loud) go by and I've never seen any
of these moose do anything but watch the people as avidly as the people
watch the moose. Even when it's a cow and calf. I'm sure they're somewhat
used to people but they're still wild animals and show no inclination to get
antsy with the boaters. Although I'd love to have them beat up a wakeboard
boat once or twice.

The northern Priest Lake has no cabins or structures and is a wonderful
place to camp. Beware of grizzly bears if you go there (although I've never
seen one). I'm betting you will see a moose, however.


Craig Jungers
Moses Lake, WA
www.nwkayaking.net
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Received on Thu Jul 23 2009 - 14:56:18 PDT

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