 THE MOOSE IS
LOOSE.
This picture was taken Wednesday, May 28, 1999 at 8:45 a.m. in the
Birch Hills development off Rt. 30 in Sabael, Town of Indian Lake. The moose appeared wet,
as though it had just swum across Indian Lake. It was first spotted walking up from the
lake as it crossed Route 30. It was last seen walking toward "downtown" Indian
Lake. The awesome beast inspired a healthy respect. "My hands were shaking when I
took the picture" Dr. Daniel Way reported.
(reprinted courtesy of the Hamilton County News
and Dr. Daniel Way).
MOOSE CAPITAL OF NEW YORK?
Next time you're hiking or driving in the Indian Lake and Blue Mountain
Lake region, there's a very good chance you'll get a glimpse of one of our biggest and
most fascinating year-round residents -- the moose.
Mark Brown, a senior biologist with the NYS Department of Environmental
Conservation, noted that Indian Lake was one of the first areas for the moose to become
established in New York State. "It's an exciting story. The animal happened into this
area on its own, established this as a home range, and is here to stay."
Mark, who has a camp nearby and whose work takes him frequently into
our area, has sighted moose on numerous occasions in the deep woods and along roadways. He
even recalls one particular sighting of a large moose standing next to Indian Lake's
"welcome" sign. Interestingly, a flock of wild turkeys appeared close by at the
same time!
While the attentive moose-watcher can spot one of these animals just
about anywhere or anytime, Mark pointed out the stretch of Route 30 between Indian Lake
and Speculator as one of the best bets for seeing a moose. Recent sighting reports include
a variety of locations: Lewey Lake Campsites, Moose River Plains, Jessup River, Cedar
River Flow and Fagan's Flats to name just a few. But whether you're on a safari in the
thick of a marshland or driving along the road, be prepared to carefully pay attention.
You might just miss the moose, because its dark brown coat blends in well with its
surroundings.
The moose leaves a distinctive track that looks like a large cow hoof.
It has poor eyesight, and will often stand in place on the road even while being
approached by a car. This caution should definitely be kept in mind while driving in moose
country.
The Indian Lake / Blue Mountain Lake region is considered a prime
habitat for moose, with its thousands of acres of paper company managed forest that supply
the animal with saplings and browse material needed to support its daily 20-30 lb. food
intake.
Often called "Monarch of the North Country," the moose is a
colorful piece of the lure and wonder of this wilderness area for visitors and residents
alike.
MOOSE FACTS
The moose is the largest member of the elk family. It reaches maximum
size in Alaska. An adult may stand 4.6 to 7.7 feet high at the shoulder and weigh 440 to
1820 lbs. Male moose have enormous, broad, flattened antlers with marginal prongs, or
tines. Antlers are shed each year after mating season, and by that time can attain a
spread of 5 feet or more.
The body color of the moose ranges from almost black to light brown,
becoming grayish in winter. Its legs are a lighter color than its body. The animal's
protruding muzzle and long legs allow it to browse on brush and to wade into ponds and
lakes to feed on aquatic plants. The moose is an excellent swimmer.
MOOSE TRIVIA
Around 1700, the Swedish cavalry experimented with moose as
"combat vehicles." Easy to train and ride, moose have better stamina and terrain
mobility than horses and were expected to terrify enemy forces who probably had never seen
a moose. The problem: moose kept running away from loud artillery noises.
PIZZA AND MOOSE PHOTOS
Check out the collection of moose photographs at Pat's Pizzeria in
Indian Lake. The collection, which is being added to all the time, includes snapshots
taken by local moose watchers.
VISIT MOOSE CENTRAL
The Snowy Mountain Inn is a clearinghouse for moose
photos and information, Located in the shadow of Snowy Mountain this Natural Wood Smoked
Barbecue Restaurant 6 miles south of the hamlet of Indian Lake, is the place to see photos
and reports of moose sightings.
For other photos and information don't miss Moose
Central at their web site:
http://www.snowyinn.com/page3.htm
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