This one needs a squeamish warning. If you are squeamish, please watch the condensed version here and skip the longer version posted below. The video catches the entire process of a wild moose giving birth, from the moment the little calf’s nose is visible to the first wobbly steps. Watching nature happen is an exceptional experience, but it isn’t for everyone.
Videos by InspireMore
We found the video posted by a young author named Katie Kitchpanich, but she says it is not her original video. At this time, she isn’t sure who posted the original, but is requesting their info for proper credit. The scene happens outside an office building in Anchorage, Alaska.
Several people are inside, watching and providing commentary about this moose giving birth. Although Mama can’t hear them, they offer lots of appropriate encouragement. The observers are “helping” by holding their breath during the contractions. The collective sigh of relief on the final push is something a viewer feels rather than hears.
There are four subspecies of moose in North America: Eastern, Western, Alaska, and Shiras. There are more Alaska moose than the other subspecies. Moose are very large, standing five to 6.5 feet at the shoulder and weighing up to 1,200 pounds.
Males have antlers, which help channel sound to their ears. Antlers are shed yearly after breeding season. Watch as a bull moose sheds his antlers on drone footage.
Some commenters are asking, possibly jokingly, where the dad moose is. Moose are solitary animals. After giving birth, this moose will nurse her calf for several days. Male calves may leave their mother as young as six months old, while female calves usually stay around for their first year before heading off on their own.
Please share.
You can find the source of this story’s featured image here.
Want to be happier in just 5 minutes a day? Sign up for Morning Smile and join over 455,000+ people who start each day with good news.
