Moose Sightings

This guy was staring at me through the window while I was walking on the treadmill. I wonder if he counts human sightings?

My first sighting of a Bear Lake moose (or any moose, as far as I can remember) was on February 20, 2025. I know this, of course, because I have a record of it on my phone. Photos and video. It was a snowy day and the moose was grabbing a snack from the neighbor's trees. What a delight!

"I finally saw a moose!" was the text message I fired off (along with the photos and video) to my family in Iowa, to my friends at work, and to my husband who was in his home office approximately nine feet below me. Some replied with an emoji or a one-word affirmation ("Cool!"), but no one seemed to understand how amazing this animal was, or how fortunate I was to have a view of it from my dining room window. It wasn't even enough to roust Bob away from his office chair and he doesn't even like his job that much.

After that snowy February day, I've had a dozen or more sightings. I've lost count because I've stopped the practice of making a digital copy of each one. Instead, I just quietly watch as long as the moose cares to hang around. Putting down my phone, or not spending the time and mental energy trying to remember where I put my phone, let's me see more, feel more, enjoy more. It's an experience, not a photo op. When moose drop by, I'll holler to Bob so he can join me (or Bob, who has also come to recognize the value of a moose sighting, will holler for me) and we'll just watch and wonder...What is that moose thinking? Why is he standing so still? Are his antlers heavy? How much of that tree is she going to eat? Wouldn't it be fun for baby moose to play with the baby deer? When will we see them again?

It's no accident that a moose serves as Bear Lake Local's logo and mascot. First, I have fond memories of the celebrity moose of my youth: Mr. Moose from Captain Kangaroo and Bullwinkle J. Moose of the Saturday morning cartoon, The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle and Friends. Second, I like what they stand for. After that first moose sighting, I did some research into moose symbolism. Here's the lazy AI synopsis: "Moose symbolize strength, wisdom, endurance, pride, and a deep connection to nature, representing the capacity to navigate life's challenges with grace and confidence." That's nice, but here's my favorite interpretation from Urban Healers of LA:

Moose in his woods references no other creature in his unique artistry. With his long, silly grin, he wants to assure you that you are most certainly odd. And that is good.  Our differences decorate the world and this Medicine teaches us how to stand in our wackiness with unshakable confidence. When doubt or hesitation creep up, call on the eccentric power of Moose to help you return to your own unique, unusual truth.  It is like no one else’s truth and should never be denied.  Moose does not compromise his size or shape to try to fit in. He knows that whatever he becomes will find its place in the world. There is room enough for all styles.

So now, all we need is a name for the Bear Lake Local moose. So far, Bob has suggested "Roscoe" and "Chauncy." I'm thinking more traditional moose names like, "Pete" or "Archie." But we're open to suggestions. Throw 'em in the comments below!

Thanks for reading. Now, go be like a moose. Stand in your wackiness with unshakable confidence!