KELLY, Wyo. — A herd of mighty photogenic moose has been hanging around Kelly, munching on plants that are still accessible through the snow.
Buckrail photographer Nick Sulzer snapped some calendar-worthy images of the moose mob having a midday snack.
Moose thrive in winter, with thick coats and long legs for plowing through snow.
According to Grand Teton National Park (GTNP), moose grow the perfect winter fur with long, hollow strands of hair that make up a very thick, dense undercoat trapping air and keeping them warm. Their chocolate “moose” color helps them absorb every ray of sunshine and their nasal passages are even designed to heat air when it’s inhaled which warms their lungs. They also conserve energy by not growing antlers in the winter, moving around less and saving their system’s resources for survival.
Moose during the winter eat twigs, grass and leaves called “browse.” These herbivores also eat a lot in the fall to stock up on nutrients and rely on their fat storage during the coldest months, when food is scarce.
