–Editor’s note: A similar version of this post was published in early June.
In May I was watching a momma badger delivering food to her babies in Yellowstone National Park when a local photographer asked if I could spot the moose on the ridge across the highway.
I was thrilled for the opportunity because I had never seen a moose in the park and, after a few seconds, I realized that the photographer had posed a quiz with an amusing twist.
So I’ll do the same: Can you spot the moose on the ridge in the accompanying images? (Answer at the bottom.)
It’s worth noting that moose sightings are somewhat rare in Yellowstone, with fewer than 200 animals inhabiting the sprawling wilderness park.
According to the park, moose numbers have declined over the years “due to the loss of old growth forests surrounding the park, hunting outside the park, burning of habitat, and predators.”
They’re also solitary creatures, for the most part, except during mating season from September into early October.
So moose sightings are cherished, in part, because they occur so infrequently.
The regal critters are most commonly spotted near marshy areas or waterways, which is why I was surprised when the photographer asked me to gaze atop a ridge more suitable for bighorn sheep.
As many have already figured out, this is not a quiz that should demand too much time so I’ve presented the answer above and apologize for not showing an actual moose.
For those interested, this feature is visible from Highway 212, which passes through the wildlife-rich Lamar Valley.
