Did You See Any Moose? Maybe This Is Why Not.

One of the questions that people sometimes ask each other on Isle Royale is: "Did you see any moose?". Sometimes, if I answer, "Yes"-- the person says something like "You're lucky! We haven't seen any." Then, they sometimes say some variation of "I wonder why we haven't seen any--when so many other people are seeing them?"

I think one reason might be that some people are pretty noisy as they move down the trail. (And, they might not even realize it). Sometimes, I can HEAR individuals and groups 5-15 minutes before I SEE them (and my hearing is far worse than a moose's ability to hear). Some people are talking to their hiking companions (perhaps totally unaware of how far even "soft" and "quiet" sounds can travel outdoors). Some, are playing music or listening to podcasts. Some of these folks are using earbuds. Thus, they can't hear the moose rustling around and moving in the woods. (So, they miss seeing the moose that they might have otherwise seen). Others, are playing the music or podcast without earbuds--and everyone else (including the moose) can hear it.

Other people just make a great deal of noise as they move about. Their trekking poles click, clack and rattle loudly. (I am sometimes guilty of that). They have items hanging from their packs that bounce, clink, and rattle with every step that they take. Some people hum and sing as they walk (and maybe don't even realize that they are doing it).

If you are wanting to see moose (and other wildlife) it helps if you can reduce the amount of noise that you make while hiking (or paddling). I think many of us (including myself sometimes) are unaware of how much noise we are actually making.