This Moose Gives Terrifying Side Eye Before Attacking

Quick Take

• Most hikers don't realize they've already crossed the danger threshold with a moose. There's one unsettling visual cue that tells you it's too late to back away casually. Spot the warning signs →
• Running away from a charging moose isn't as straightforward as it sounds. What you use as cover makes all the difference. Escape tactics explained →
• A moose doesn't need to be provoked to attack. The circumstances that flip a calm encounter into a charge might already be working against you. Avoid triggering a charge →
• The man in the video survived a charge from a 1,000-pound animal at point-blank range. What he did in those final seconds is worth knowing before you hit any trail. See the viral encounter →

Hiking is a fun activity, but it also has its risks. One of those dangers is animal attacks. For example, moose encounters that can turn wild in the blink of an eye. This Instagram post by @allagash.antlers shows how one confrontation with a moose quickly turned south as it began charging at the man. Read here to learn more about moose attacks and what you should do if you encounter one.

About Moose Attacks

The video above is an encounter that many hikers and wildlife enthusiasts dread. In the video, a man has an extremely up-close encounter with a wild moose, which gives him a threatening side eye. Throughout the encounter, the moose seemingly sizes the man up while slowly getting closer before suddenly charging forward. The video cuts off shortly after. Thankfully, according to the caption, the man in the video was able to get away. The frightening encounter left many viewers curious about what you should do in a situation like this one. Given just how close the moose gets, it would be a nerve-racking experience for anyone. If you are an avid hiker or wildlife enthusiast, it’s best to know what to do in a similar situation.

What to Do

Being as close to the moose as the man in the video is dangerous. Many outdoor enthusiasts say that if you can see the white of a moose’s eyes, you’re already too close. At this distance, a moose may attack for several different reasons. These include feeling cornered or threatened, a mother protecting her calves, or being in rutting season, when moose are naturally more aggressive. Adult bulls can easily weigh over 1,000 pounds and stand at six feet tall. Due to their size and sharp hooves, moose can break bones and cause serious injuries. They attack by charging with their full body weight and kicking with their hooves.

If you are ever in a situation similar to the one in the video above, it’s best to try to stay as far away as possible. On the off chance the moose notices you, try your best to calmly back away and keep obstacles like trees between you and the animal. If it charges, run as fast as possible to find cover, using obstacles to break the animal’s line of sight or block its path toward you. Again, using trees or boulders is a great way to create a barrier.