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The "Other" things you see when Birding


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22 hours ago, lonestranger said:

I would discourage anyone looking for an up close and personal encounter with a Moose. Just like a Bear or a Cougar, they can be dangerous animals and should always be viewed from a safe distance. Here's a quote from a Colorado Parks and Wildlife video.

 https://ourcommunitynow.com/travel/colorado-survival-guide-what-to-do-if-youre-charged-by-a-moose

"Each year, more people are attacked by moose than by any other species of wildlife. Moose are one of the most unpredictable and dangerous animals in our state,” said Elissa Slezak, a district wildlife manager for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, in a video about the increased number of moose attacks in recent years.

I do take for granted that people have common sense and know that all wild animals have the potential to be dangerous. Just like I had the common sense to move out of the likely path of the moose pictured above. That said this particular park has a ton of human visitors many going just to see the moose. While I would still remind folks they are still wild animals which makes them unpredictable they are very use to humans. So as long as you are respectful, don't do anything stupid or mean they will likely leave you alone.

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20 minutes ago, Clip said:
22 hours ago, lonestranger said:

I do take for granted that people have common sense

LOL...thats where I have a different opinion, I don't think common sense is as common as you might hope it to be. In fact, I think people can be incredibly stupid when it comes to wild animals, especially so when it comes to getting that special photo for social media. Having had a very scary incident with a bull moose in my youth, I know how quickly an enjoyable close and personal experience can turn into a dangerous one. I would advise caution and lots of space when viewing these majestic animals, they aren't always as docile as they look.

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22 hours ago, lonestranger said:

I don't think common sense is as common as you might hope it to be.

Sadly, I agree but I would get off relevant topics to the site if I went on. Here on Whatbird I think folks are pretty smart when it comes to wildlife. As for my moose encounter comments above. These moose are so easy to watch you can stay in car if you are worried.

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2 hours ago, Clip said:

These moose are so easy to watch you can stay in car if you are worried.

That's a good spot to watch moose from. If you watch the video in the attached link above, you'll see a few examples of how things can go wrong so quickly. It's the unseen variables that can change the dynamics of a wildlife encounter that I worry about. Using your close encounter as an example, how would the moose react if a nearby dog jumped in the water chasing a stick. What if a dog on the path in front or behind you started barking at a squirrel? If you're within six feet of a moose, you don't stand a chance of getting away from the moose if it turns toward you. They don't need to feel threatened by you to walk right through you if you're in the path they decide to take.

*steps down and kicks soapbox off to the corner*

Edited by lonestranger
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9 hours ago, Clip said:

@Seanbirds I have another one I'm hoping you can help me identify. From the Florida Keys Big Pine Key to be more exact.

117.JPG

It's heavily melanistic, which is making this difficult. Definitely a cooter sp. though with those claws!

 

Edited by Seanbirds
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4 minutes ago, Seanbirds said:

It's heavily melanistic, which is making this difficult. Definitely a cooter sp. though with those claws!

 

I think it's a Peninsula Cooter. Was the water fresh or brackish?

Edited by Seanbirds
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