Here’s What to do if You Ever Encounter a Moose in The Maine Wilderness

In recent months we've talked about what to do if you encounter a bobcat in the woods of Maine. And I think most of us would probably say out of the gate that we would be more terrified of a wild bobcat than a wild moose.

Despite the obvious size difference, I think most of us assume a bobcat could inflict more harm and do more damage to us based solely on the sharp claws and teeth alone. But that's not entirely true.

As it turns out, Moose, even though they lack 'sharp claws and teeth', are massive animals that, when provoked, can do unimaginable damage to humans- even causing death under certain circumstances.

By now we've probably all seen those crazy videos of moose encounters, like the one where people on snowmobiles tried chasing one down a trail until it turned around and charged them. Crazy, right?

According to the The Piscataquis Observer, if you ever stumble upon a moose while out hiking or driving through the woods here in Maine, take a breath and a big step back. Moose might look slow and awkward, but they can be surprisingly fast and unpredictable, especially if they feel cornered or if it’s mating season.

The best move? Keep your distance. If it sees you and seems agitated with its ears pinned back, snorting, or stomping, you should back away slowly without turning your back. Never try to feed it, pet it, or get close for a photo (even though your Instagram followers might beg you to).

And if you're in your car? Just stay put and let the moose do its thing. Trust me, that selfie isn’t worth getting chased into the brush by an angry 1,200-pound forest beast.