MOOSE, Wyo. — In late November, Buckrail reader Jason Sutton captured two bull moose sparring on the side of the road near Blacktail Butte.

According to the Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance, the moose rut, or mating season, typically ends in October. So these guys are not likely competing over a female. The National Park System says that true fights between bull moose over mating can be so aggressive that they result in serious injury and sometimes death.

Moose don’t hibernate in the winter, as they are well-suited for winter weather survival. Over the last couple of weeks, moose have been highly visible in areas near Kelly, Antelope Flats and Blacktail Butte.

The roadside moose tussle is a good reminder to drive with caution — especially in and near Grand Teton National Park — and keep an eye out for wildlife nearby. Drivers could get a front-row seat to some cool nature happenings. Be sure to pull all the way off the road if stopping to view wildlife, and remember to stay 25 yards away from moose, elk and bison, and at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves.

Monica is a Staff Reporter who studied journalism at Syracuse University and has been in the valley since 2015. She loves writing about the local food and bev scene, especially craft beer. When she’s not on the clock, you can find her paddle boarding, sewing, or whipping up a new recipe at home.