There are moments in the wild that change you forever. This was one of them.
I had no idea that pulling off the road that morning would lead to a close encounter with a wild moose. She noticed us the moment we parked. Calm, unbothered, and completely herself, she continued her grazing as I quietly readied my camera.
I shifted carefully, mindful of her space, hoping to get a clear view without disturbing her. She moved uphill, still at ease, half-hidden behind sagebrush. The morning light—soft wrapped around her.
Then, it happened. She lifted her head.
We locked eyes. For a couple of minutes. She was checking me out. Smelling me and seeing my soul.
Time stretched, heavy and electric. My heart raced, but I stayed still, breathing slowly and praying. In that silent stare-down, I felt God’s presence in a new way—reminding me that His creation is both wild and gentle, and that I was safe in His world.
The moose eventually returned to her grazing, as if nothing had happened, leaving me shaken, humbled, and deeply moved. That brief connection, that intense awareness of life around me, left a mark I will never forget.
Why this encounter matters
Being in nature isn’t just about seeing wildlife—it’s about feeling it. The soft light, the quiet, the subtle movements—all of it points back to the care and detail God put into this world. Moments like this ground us, remind us to breathe, and inspire awe at the beauty around us.
For anyone who loves wildlife photography, this is the kind of encounter you chase. But even beyond photography, it’s a reminder to step into the wild, to notice, to slow down, and to experience God in creation.
Tips for Respectful Wildlife Encounters:
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Keep your distance and respect the animal’s space.
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Move slowly and quietly.
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Let the light guide your composition—natural light tells the story.
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Stay grounded and patient—sometimes the best moments come when you’re still.
We also captured this incredible moment on video! You can watch the full moose stare-down on our YouTube channel and feel the intensity, the stillness, and the light just as we did.
If you love seeing wildlife through a lens of faith and wonder, here’s how you can support us and help us keep sharing these moments:
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Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more behind-the-scenes wildlife adventures.
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Subscribe to our YouTube channel so you never miss a moment like this.
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Buy us a coffee to support our work and help us keep chasing these God-given encounters in the wild.
Every follow, subscription, and coffee helps us continue to capture the beauty of creation and share it with you 🫎✨🙏.
