If you've ever glimpsed a seemingly docile moose grazing in a forest or drinking from an alpine lake, you might think all those wildlife warnings about stampeding moose are overkill. These creatures are so massive and oddly proportioned, surely you could easily slip behind a tree or boulder before it picks up enough speed to do any damage?
A new video captured by a fishing guide company on the Kenai River might soon have you changing your mind, however. The breathtaking footage, which you can watch below, shows a mighty moose standing chest-deep in the water downstream. It takes a look at the boat, then charges past at full tilt against the fast-moving currents in what looks like zero to 60 fashion.
"Quite a lot of power that these animals have! Thanks for the show," writes the Kenai River and Company with the post.
When it's clear of the boat, the moose wades through deeper waters to reach the shore, then jogs off into the forest.
The clip highlights just how quickly these animals can move when they want to. According to Alaska Department of Fish and Game, stretches of this river move at speeds of 19.5 miles per hour, and at this time of year spring runoff will be contributing to peak flows. Imagine how fast this moose can move over land and it makes sense that we've found ourselves reporting on two moose stompings already in Colorado already this month.
How to stay safe around moose
Though neither moose are not naturally aggressive creatures, they can become defensive in the spring when their calves are newborn.
When recreating in moose country, it's important to be aware of your surroundings, give moose a wide berth and keep dogs on leash at all times.
Read our article on what to do if you see a moose, and remember that if you're actively trying to view wildlife, you should always do so from a safe distance, using binoculars.
