Maine Moose

Maine's State Animal is the Moose, Largest Member of the Deer Family

Nov 26, 2008 Jeannie Delahunt

Any tourist entering Maine hopes to spot a moose. They can be seen anywhere in the state, however, sightings tend to increase the further north one travels.

Seeing a mammoth size moose is indeed a rare treat. Maine moose are somewhat smaller than the Canadian and Alaskan moose, but they are big just the same. The best areas for the greatest chances of sightings, are near and around Moosehead Lake and Baxter State Park.

The best time to spot a moose is during sunrise and/or sunset. If traveling along Maine roads, it is best to watch the shoulders and the bordering forest lines, especially during the winter months. Moose like salt and tend to frequent the roads during the winter to lick the salt thrown by road crews during and after snowstorms.

During the summer months a thunderstorm can spook them. A collision with one of these creatures can have serious consequences.

What is a Moose?

The moose is the largest member of the deer family. The animal is known to North America, Europe, Asia and Russia; however, it is referred to as elk outside of North America.

A full grown bull (male) can weigh well over 1,000 pounds, dressed. A full grown cow (female) can weigh about 600 pounds and over, dressed. [1].

The height of a moose is roughly six feet. The range of antler size for Maine moose is roughly 55 inches.[2].

Moose are excellent swimmers and can swim for considerable distances. They tend to feed in wetland areas due to their liking of water plants, especially water lilies. They will feed above and below the surface of the water.

The lifespan of moose is relatively short. They do not generally live much past their teenage years.

Predation

Though hunted by humans, in Maine, natural predation is relatively scarce. Black bears or bruins may attack a weakened animal or the young. This is a sharp contrast to the predation of the Alaskan Moose which is fed upon by wolves, brown and black bears.

The Bull Moose

Only the bull has antlers. They are shed during the November/December months. These provide a source of nutrition for the smaller forest creatures.

New antlers begin growing in February with a coat of velvet. Come April the velvet is scraped off and a new rack appears. Bull moose use their antlers to attract the cows and intimidate other bull moose as they compete for the female affection.

The bull has a shoulder hump and a flap of flesh and fur on its neck known as the bell or dewlap.

After mating, the bulls and cows generally ignore each other, even though they may frequent the same eating territories. Rutting season is generally during the September/October months.

Are Moose Dangerous?

Like any wild animal moose can be dangerous. It is important not to harass them or approach them too closely. Though their eyesight is relatively poor, their hearing and sense of smell is not. They are acutely aware of the sounds and aromas around them. They can run at over 30 miles per hour!

Moose use their hooves for protection. A blow from one of their kicks (front or hind legs) can have serious consequences. Female moose zealously protect their calves.

Moose have been known to charge. Sometimes they will bluff, but for the observer, gambling with what a moose might do may not be the best of ideas. Getting "treed" by a moose in Maine is a popular notion. Not that moose will climb a tree after the target, but getting behind a solid tree might stop the animal if it charges--take note of the word, "might."

Sources

Maine Moose

[1,2] Wildlife Biologist

The copyright of the article Maine Moose in Mammals is owned by Jeannie Delahunt. Permission to republish Maine Moose in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Bull Moose