Watchable Wildlife Photo Contest

It’s been said you don’t want to get between a mature cow moose and her calf if you know what’s good for you.

By the ominous look the cow is giving viewers in this photograph, that’s pretty good advice.

Harlan Nelson of Kenmare photographed the winning image for the 2024 Watchable Wildlife Photo Contest in Ward County.

There was a time most of these animals were found in the forested habitat of the Pembina Hills and Turtle Mountains located in North Dakota’s northern reaches.

Times have changed.

Today, moose are found stretched across the state’s landscape where suitable habitat is available from the Red River Valley to western North Dakota where the Missouri and Yellowstone rivers join forces.

Even so, seeing one of these big animals wandering across North Dakota’s wide-open landscape or bedded in a bean field still takes some getting used to.

2024 Watchable Wildlife Photo Contest Winners

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