"It's not like Alaska isn't wilderness - it mostly is. But most Alaskans don't live in the wild. They live on the edge of the wild in towns with schools and cable TV and stores and dentists and roller rinks sometimes. It's just like anyplace else, only with mountains and moose." ~ Tom Bodett

Moose, the world’s largest member of the deer family, are a common animal in Alaska. These large ungulates are prized as a valuable game species, and for wildlife viewing. While not normally aggressive, moose can become dangerous to people when they are hungry, tired of walking in deep snow, or harassed by people, dogs and traffic. Vehicle-moose collisions pose the greatest danger to both people and moose; Alaska has the highest rate of moose-vehicle collisions in the world. The most important safety precautions are to slow down while driving and to always give moose plenty of space; never approach a moose. It is also illegal – and dangerous – to feed moose. Moose sometimes also cause problems when they eat landscaping or crops. Despite these nuisances, moose are considered by many to be a symbol of life in Alaska. Living in close proximity to them is part of what makes life in Alaska unique.

Photographed a short distance from the road, Seward Highway from Anchorage to Seward, Alaska. I was not in the state for more than a hour before meeting this guy on my way out of town.