Mammals

Alaska Bull Moose

I traveled to Alaska eager to see the sheer size of the Alaskan moose ( Alces alces gigas ) firsthand, as they are notably larger than those found elsewhere in the Lower 48. Though not the largest bull I encountered, this one proved the most cooperative. In September, with the tundra blazing in hues of red, orange, and yellow, this impressive bull was busy patrolling his territory, his eyes sharp and his antlers polished for the rut. The Alaska-Yukon Moose ( Alces alces gigas ) is the largest of all moose subspecies, with mature bulls often weighing over 1,500 pounds and boasting antler spreads exceeding 65 inches. During the September rut, these titans descend into the subalpine valleys of the Chugach and Alaska Ranges. This particular encounter occurred on a crisp morning when the dwarf birch and willow shrubs—the moose's primary food source—had turned into a vibrant carpet of crimson. The low-angled autumn sun caught the velvety texture of the bull’s massive palmate antlers, a detail that perfectly encapsulates the rugged elegance of the Last Frontier. Capturing the scale of an animal this size within the vastness of the Alaskan tundra requires a balance of distance and detail. By using a long focal length, I was able to maintain a safe and respectful distance while still rendering the intricate textures of the bull’s dark coat against the brilliant, fiery foliage of the background. For collectors, this image represents the peak of the Alaskan autumn; the rich, warm tones of the tundra are exceptionally vibrant on a high-gloss metal print, which provides a depth and clarity that makes the viewer feel as though they are standing right on the edge of the wilderness.