Incident Overview
A pilot reported that after landing on a gravel airstrip, during the taxi phase, a moose cow and calf ran onto the airstrip, moving from the pilot's right to left. The pilot veered to the left to avoid the animals, and the airplane subsequently struck a tree.
Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage as a result of the collision with the tree.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Sequence of Events
The event occurred after landing, while the aircraft was taxiing. The moose cow and calf unexpectedly entered the airstrip, prompting the evasive maneuver that led to the tree strike.