16th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Red Sea

Animal: Alaskan Moose Location: Alaska, United States of America Experience a young Bull Alaskan Moose as it walks through a forest rich in green and red vegetation. Even though this is a young Alaskan bull they still dwarf the size of their lower 48 cousins. During the rut Moose of all sizes battle it out for the opportunity to win the cows over in order to create the next generation. In an area surrounded by Spruce and Hemlocks lies the heart of where a herd of Moose congregate during the rut. As I was camping side by side with the Moose it became apparent which massive bulls were the kings of the forest allowing them to have all the cows. Even though this Bull was much smaller than its neighbors size didn't stop it from participating in the rut. As I was laying under a large spruce tree photographing a massive sixty plus inch Alaskan Bull with a cow I heard trees shaking. The scent of the cow lured this younger bull to navigate through the thick vegetation until it reached an opening. As the young bull started to walk towards the other Moose it stepped into one of the most pleasing spots with an impressive green backdrop and vibrant red that filled the forest floor. This moment shows why Mother Nature is truly the greatest artist of us all.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 07.2018
Date Uploaded: 07.2018
Photo Location: Alaska, United States of America
Copyright: © Thomas Chadwick