It was a zoo on the slopes… literally.
Nestled in the Teton Range of the Rocky Mountains, Jackson Hole is one of the most popular winter sport destinations in the country, boasting some of the best skiing and snowboarding in North America, including the infamous Corbet’s Couloir.
And when you’re not dodging noobs on the bunny hill, you apparently might have to dodge… a moose?
Michigan native Ken Rynearson was skiing Jackson Hole this past week when he caught a video a moose trucking down one of the runs. In the video, you can see him start to pick up speed with the charging moose on his tail, and then hilariously scream to other riders to “go faster.”
Check it out:
In Wyoming, moose are primarily concentrated in the northwestern part of the state, where the habitat provides a mix of dense forests and open meadows. Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park are particularly notable areas where moose sightings are relatively common. Jackson, Wyoming, also happens to be located in that particular region so it’s not uncommon to spot a ton of wildlife on or near the slopes.
The largest memebers of the deer family, moose are characterized by their large size, long legs, and distinctive paddle-shaped antlers, which are found on the males (bulls). Bulls can weigh up to 1,500 pounds, while females, known as cows, are generally a bit smaller in size.
Moose are herbivores with a diet primarily consisting of vegetation such as aquatic plants, shrubs, and trees, which means you don’t have to worry about one trying to eat you, but if they feel threatened, they have been known to charge and deliver devastating front kicks. The force behind a moose kick can shatter bones so you best be moving out of the way with a moss coming through. You figure, they’re used to fighting off bears and wolves… what do you think they’ll do to you?
By this time of year, lots of snowfall has made finding food more difficult, so a tired and hungry moose is nothing to mess with. Moose also don’t see very well so they’re prone to charge first and ask questions later if they feel like they might be in a sticky situation.
That being said, Wyoming provides excellent opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts to observe moose in their natural habitat (from a safe distance). Visitors to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, as well as other wilderness areas in the state, may be treated to glimpses of these majestic creatures. Granted, seeing one on the slopes is pretty cool, too.
God bless, Wyoming, eh?
