Moose are having a hard winter. The abundance of snow has made it very difficult for them to forage for food and it’s made it difficult for the large hoofed animals to move around. Moose are seen in places they normally wouldn’t be found, places were it’s easier to find food and places where it’s easier to move about. Upon returning to the bunkhouse from the McGrath checkpoint, there were some folks peeking around the corner of a building carefully and quietly taking pictures. After passing some large snow covered vehicles, I suddenly saw the subject of their photos and found myself standing a little too close to this moose. Thankfully the critter was focused on food and climbed up onto a pile of snow to nibble on low tree branches. Word has it that the moose has climbed high snow banks then onto the roof of the cafe to munch tree branches.  Mushers are very aware of the heightened possibility of encountering moose on the trail to Nome.