Jewel # 373 (Sept. 10, 2019)

And they shall be Mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make make up MY JEWELS.

Malachi 3:17

To my dear grandchildren

The Stately Moose

"God said, let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind . . .

and God saw that it was good.” 

Genesis 1:24-25 

Moose are often seen on roads and in towns of Alaska, but they keep more hidden in forests on both sides of the Canada - U.S. border.  They can be found all the way from the Pacific coast to the Atlantic coast.

The moose is the largest American animal.  A full grown one will be about seven feet high and weigh 1500 pounds or more.  Its antlers are immense, rising from the top of the head and spreading six feet wide or more.   They look like two gigantic hands turned upward like an armour of spike-like "fingers”.  They are a vicious weapon when a moose defends itself.

Because of its great size and strength, a healthy moose is not like to be attacked by other animals.  But if one is sick or weak from age, it is apt to become a victim of a hungry grizzly bear or pack of very hungry wolves.

The upper part of a moose’s muzzle extends three or four inches over its chin.  This muzzle has huge nostrils.  A short, coal-black triangular beard hangs from the neck.  The ears are large and, in contrast, its tail is just a short stub.  Its coat is a deep brown colour.  Sadly, the young calves are often the victims of wolves and other creatures when the parent are not close by.  Only about half of these younger ones make it through their first year.  But the mothers try to keep them from wandering off and have been seen helping them cross ponds too deep for their short legs by giving them “piggyy-back” rides all the way over.

Favourite foods include leaves and twigs of trees, as well as water lilies and other water plants.  This is why they are often found wading in ponds or along lake shores.  

Unlike most wild animals, a moose crossing a road or railroad track (sometimes alone and at other times a large group) usually pays no attention to traffic.  It may even stop in the middle of a road or railroad track to watch a truck, car or train approaching.  Experienced drivers of trucks and private cars, as well as engineers of trains, are always alert to this when going through moose country, and many drive more slowly so they can stop in time to avoid a collision with them. 

How interesting to look on these and other examples of the marvels of God’s creation and have the assurance that He has pleasure in creating and watching over them.  Psalm 36:6-7 tells us, “O Lord, Thou preservest man and beast.  How excellent is Thy loving-kindness, O God!”  Another verse tells us, “His eyes are upon the ways of man, and He sees all his goings” (Job 34:21).

What does He see as He looks on you?

Love you all - Grandpa