Shed Happens–Especially when Big Bull Moose Are Around

This video, filmed about five years ago, captures a moment that’s both amusing and a little nerve-wracking. An Alaska man, Curtis Phelps, was taking a sack of garbage to his shed one Saturday when he suddenly found himself trapped inside—thanks to a massive bull moose blocking the way out. Even calm-looking bull moose in Alaska are enormous athletes, standing nearly 7 feet tall at the shoulder and weighing 1,200 to 1,600 pounds on average (Field & Stream; Hunt Alaska Magazine). Their antlers can span over 50 inches, and trophy bulls hit peak size around 10–12 years of age (alaska.guide; Alaska Department of Fish and Game). While the moose’s slow stroll toward the shed might seem harmless on video, calm never means safe—these animals are unpredictable, especially in their own habitat. In this case, quick thinking likely helped Curtis avoid a dangerous confrontation.