Mammals tend to be fewer and farther between than birds and wildflowers everywhere in the Helena valley. That being said, I have seen a few species around- ground squirrels, deer, antelope, foxes, hares, and the occasional moose. I’ve seen moose three or four times this year.

Our moose sighting on July 12 was especially memorable. The cow and calf moose were on the same trail that Obi and I were walking on. This encounter could have turned out much worse, but Obi took one look at the moose and then looked at me as if to say ‘I didn’t know the woods had giants in them!’ He stayed right by my side and followed me upslope to give the moose family more room.

I talked to the moose as she shepherded her calf past a few meters below us. She kept a very wary eye on us, but in the end she went her way, and we went ours. 

I’m grateful to have experienced a generally good natured moose!

Happy trails, indeed!