Shadows in the Night

It was 2am and I was driving home from work.  The northern lights were moving across the sky.  I was watching them until I caught  a brief glimpse of reflected light.  It flashed quickly in the dark night.  As I got closer I saw it again.  I slowed and watched the roadside.  My headlamps were on high beam so I could see from ditch to ditch.

An intersection was ahead.  Just as I got to it, two large shadows appeared.  They were the same color as the night.  As I approached  they stopped and turned their heads. 

There, in the middle of the intersection, were two bull moose.  They stopped only long enough to glance at my vehicle and then continued on their way right down the center of the road.

I've driven that same route for almost eleven years and am aware of where to look for wildlife.  Many evenings I've seen deer bolt across the road, porcupines waddle down the middle of the road and moose sauntering along the ditches.  On one occasion, the moose was lying on the road making it very difficult to see as its coat was the same color of the pavement.

It's a good thing that the road that I travel is not too busy with traffic.  Those not prepared for wildlife showing up suddenly in front of their vehicle may be in for a big surprise.

This morning I saw moose number three.  Where you ask?  In front of my vehicle again.  Keep your eyes on the road.