How to Pet a Moose
When approaching a moose, you must never lunge as it might scare it away. Of course, it may also see you as threatening.
In the case of my moose encounter at Northwest Trek in Eatonville, Washington, I simply walked up to him, smiled, and looked him straight in the eye and told him that I was going to have my photograph taken with him. Then I pet him nicely on his face and scratched behind his ear. He was like putty in my hands.
You can see that he turned his head toward the left in order to show his best side. I was surprised he could be so vain, but I have to admit he is quite photogenic.
So, should you encounter a moose, remember to smile, and be nice before you reach out to see if he will allow you close enough to become a friend.
Disclaimer: If you should you encounter a living and breathing moose in the wild, DO NOT approach it under any circumstances.
Originally written and submitted by author on 20 July 2014 at Bubblews.
Image Credit » My own photo, taken by Shari, June 2014 Northwest Trek, Eatonville, WA, USA
Comments
BarbRad wrote on June 15, 2015, 5:50 PM
Good advice. My son once petted a wild buffalo on Catalina Island. I wasn't with him to stop him. Someone did get photo. He had a special way with animals.
Kasman wrote on June 15, 2015, 6:55 PM
You petted a moose? Stuff that! I wouldn't go near one - not even in a taxi(dermy)!
inertia4 wrote on June 15, 2015, 8:12 PM
CoralLevang LOL. Nice post. I love this. Yes, that Moose was a ham for sure. He loved that camera. I know this is a joke but you're right, never approach a real live Moose.
morilla wrote on June 15, 2015, 9:14 PM
It's one of the allures of Heaven, the ability to walk, talk, and play with the animals.
DWDavisRSL wrote on June 15, 2015, 9:20 PM
I've not petted a moose but I have wild ponies in the Grayson HIghlands of Virginia. They will come right up to you and nudge you for treats and pats when you're hiking the trails.
wolfgirl569 wrote on June 15, 2015, 9:59 PM
I was thinking that you do it very very carefully when I read the title lol. But your method seemed to work great
KristinRavelle wrote on June 15, 2015, 10:03 PM
Ha ha! That's really cute. They're probably too scared of us!
paigea wrote on June 15, 2015, 11:53 PM
My husband "called" a moose into our yard. I could have petted it, but I was hiding in the house. I prefer yours.
MegL wrote on June 16, 2015, 12:25 AM
I misread your title and thought it was "how to pet a mouse"! But from the picture, I see your animal is a LOT bigger than a mouse!
CoralLevang wrote on June 16, 2015, 12:26 AM
BarbRad I, too, have a special way with the animals, especially the bronze ones.
CoralLevang wrote on June 16, 2015, 12:27 AM
Kasman The picture is proof of the pudding. LOL
CoralLevang wrote on June 16, 2015, 12:28 AM
inertia4
Thank you. He was quite the hog for the camera, to be sure! LOL
CoralLevang wrote on June 16, 2015, 12:29 AM
morilla I tried to get in closer for a kiss, but even on my tippy-toes, I couldn't reach him. :)
CoralLevang wrote on June 16, 2015, 12:30 AM
DWDavisRSL I think that would be very cool. II would like that.
1CoralLevang wrote on June 16, 2015, 12:31 AM
wolfgirl569 I think I should do an interview with him.
CoralLevang wrote on June 16, 2015, 12:31 AM
KristinRavelle Thank you so much. Are you new here? I think this might be the first time I have come across your name.
CoralLevang wrote on June 16, 2015, 12:32 AM
paigea He IS a gentle one, most certainly. I'd like to believe I have been the one to tame him.
CoralLevang wrote on June 16, 2015, 12:34 AM
MegL LOL And I would venture a guess that this one is much more docile, too!
valmnz wrote on June 16, 2015, 1:12 AM
And what a handsome beast he is. My son decided he was going to pet a seal basking on the rocks once. Fortunately he chickened out before the seal noticed him.
LadyDuck wrote on June 16, 2015, 1:39 AM
The final advice is the best. It's always better never to come too close to wild animals... including cows, they can be dangerous.
CoralLevang wrote on June 16, 2015, 1:46 AM
valmnz I never thought of myself as a dame who could tame the most savage of beasts before. LOL
CoralLevang wrote on June 16, 2015, 1:47 AM
Very true, LadyDuck , though I felt pretty safe with this handsome fellow.
wolfgirl569 wrote on June 16, 2015, 10:45 AM
That could be very informative for everyone
1inertia4 wrote on June 16, 2015, 7:08 PM
CoralLevang You're welcome. LOL. Nice!!! He looked like a camera hog come to think of it.