Living in Alaska means sharing the land with wildlife, but few encounters are as intimate and charming as what happened to Roland Rydstrom in Anchorage.
One June morning, Rydstrom opened his blinds expecting the usual day of work. Instead, he found his backyard transformed into a makeshift resort for a mother moose and her twin calves, soaking up the sun.
A Surprise Visit
Rydstrom was aware of two moose moms in the nearby woods that had recently given birth to twins. He had spotted them a few times while they wandered through his yard. But this day was different—the moose family decided not to just pass through. Instead, they made themselves comfortable, lounging in the sun and showing no sign of wanting to leave.
The sight of the three moose relaxing in his yard was too good not to capture. Rydstrom quickly grabbed his phone and snapped a few photos. The mother moose appeared calm, while her twin babies contentedly shifted positions, following the sunlight as the day went on.
“I expected them to walk away after a while, but they didn’t,” Rydstrom told The Dodo. “They just kept lounging around, moving occasionally to meet the sun.”
An All-Day Moose Retreat
The moose family didn’t just relax for a few hours—they spent the entire day in Rydstrom’s backyard, treating his garden like their personal sunbathing resort. The twin calves, in particular, seemed to enjoy lounging together, occasionally standing up to adjust their positions before flopping back down beside each other. Their mother kept a watchful eye while also enjoying the sunny day.
Rydstrom, meanwhile, continued his work inside, keeping an eye on the family from the safety of his window. “It was fantastic to see the babies lounging together,” he shared. “They seemed so comfortable, as if my yard was their private oasis.”
Although Rydstrom was delighted by their presence, he made sure to respect the moose’s space, knowing they were still wild animals. Especially with a mother and her babies, it’s essential to observe from a distance and give them plenty of room.
A Little Mischief in the Garden
Of course, no wildlife visit would be complete without a bit of mischief. At one point, one of the calves became curious about a marigold pot in the garden. The playful baby moose knocked the pot over, leaving Rydstrom amused as the little calf gave a mischievous grin, seemingly pleased with its handiwork.
“It looked like the calf was scratching its head on the pot, but when it tipped over, I realized it was being a little troublemaker,” Rydstrom said, chuckling at the memory.
The Moose Family Returns
Rydstrom thought the family had finally moved on after they left his yard later in the afternoon. But to his surprise, they returned twice that day. “They got up and walked away, and I thought that was it,” he said. “But then they came back again, tasting everything in the yard and doing what babies do—putting everything in their mouths.”
The day’s peaceful vibe was eventually interrupted by a burst of action. Around 7 p.m., Rydstrom heard a commotion in the backyard and rushed to see what was happening.
To his amazement, another cow moose and her calves were sprinting through his yard, crossing paths with the original moose family. In a flash, the mother moose and her twins jumped up and chased after the newcomers, ending the day on a high-energy note.
A Memorable Day in Alaska
For Rydstrom, this unexpected visit from the moose family was a reminder of just how special life in Alaska can be. “It was an action-packed day,” he said, reflecting on the experience. “If the moose ever want to come back and use my yard again, they’re more than welcome. I’m happy to babysit.”
Rydstrom’s heartwarming encounter is a perfect example of the unique bond between humans and wildlife in Alaska. While it’s essential to respect the space of wild animals, moments like these offer a glimpse into the lives of these majestic creatures, reminding us of the beauty and wonder of the natural world.
This charming story of a mother moose and her twins turning an Alaskan man’s garden into a sunbathing retreat highlights the special connection between humans and wildlife. If you’re ever lucky enough to witness something similar, remember to enjoy it from a distance—and maybe keep an eye on your marigold pots!
