Of the lower 48 states, Maine has the biggest population of moose with between 60,000 and 70,000 individuals. Address: 250 Thatcher Dr E., … You need to be extra cautious even as you view the animals and take photos. Attacks by these animals are far more serious than moose attacks. Be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye out for moose and other wildlife, especially if you know you’re in an area where they can be present. Trust me on the fence thing. If a moose attacks you, they will knock you down and stomp you with all their weight. Continue retreating, as is possible. In fall, breeding males are more likely to be on edge as they compete with other bulls. If you see a moose while driving: Don’t honk your horn. Moose are in trouble. So, to sum up what to do when you encounter a moose while hiking, these are the main things to remember: The largest member of the deer family, moose (Alces alces) are easily recognized by their long head and large nose, protruding ears and long legs. Your email address will not be published. What Provokes Moose: Dogs. Many national park visitors are worried about running into a bear or cougar on a trail, but each year more people are injured by moose than bears. 6: If attacked and knocked over curl into a ball to protect your head and vital organs. If you see a moose stay calm. Moose are deer, which are notorious for not running from cars at night. This means that if you can leave the area quickly, you should be fine. October 6, 2018 Sharing roads with the occasional moose is a part of life in Canada. Even though it might just be a “bluff” charge, it’s still a warning you shouldn’t ignore. Don’t take selfies. This is a major cause of injuries and even deaths. What Keith calls “a healthy population” is officially on the decline. Unfortunately, moose … It is not uncommon to see a moose circling along the road in attempt to find its way back home. In fact, in the mountain parks of the northern states and Alaska, there are literally hundreds of thousands of moose. Never hike with earphones or headphones, but listen carefully to the sounds around you. Keep a safe distance and a watchful eye. Backing away slowly and giving them space is usually all … An agitated moose may charge you, which, considering the sheer size of the animal, can be a terrifying experience. Moose have very few natural predators with wolves being the primary threat. Unlike situations with other wild animals, if you get attacked by a moose, you should run as fast as you can, although it is very hard to outrun a moose. Moose may confuse them for a predator, like a wolf, and decide to attack. In Alaska, home to the United States’ largest moose population, there are no fewer than 175,000 to 200,000 moose. This moose safety while hiking post contains affiliate links. Then you’re going to love our book The Illustrated Art of Manliness! Moose Safety: How to Safely Hike in Moose Country, How to Act During a Moose Encounter in the Wild, What to Do When You Encounter a Moose While Hiking, Where to See Wild Moose in the United States, 7 Amazing National Parks Near Los Angeles, California. Moving. Required fields are marked *. This is why you can often find moose near lakes and ponds. Either continue on your hike or turn back if the trail leads toward the animal. A charge by a moose is always defensive and it’s very unlikely they’ll chase you down the trail. Never come between a cow and her calf. The diet of moose consists mainly of so-called browse, which are the twigs and leaves of woody plants. We have done the research to find out whether the moose is dangerous and what you can do to prevent any damage from occurring in an encounter. On average, adult male moose (“bulls” older than 5.5 years) weigh about 1,100 pounds, while adult female moose (“cows” older than 3.5 years) weigh 830 pounds. • Last updated: September 11, 2020, It’s easy to let worries about encountering big animals in the wild center on creatures like bears, mountain lions, and wolves. They are incredibly near-sighted so slowly back away and speak calmly. Therefore, it’s important to know what to do if you encounter a moose while hiking. Another thing to consider is that a lot of moose-related injuries are the result of car accidents. If you come across the moose in an enclosed If You See a Moose: Talk calmly, and back away. Want to start taking action on the content you read on AoM? If you encounter a moose during a drive through Colorado or Yellowstone National Park (and other areas), the best thing to do is watch them from a distance and observe their body language. What to do if you see the moose If you see moose in the city, Cox advises you to keep your distance. You can change your cookie preferences by clicking on "Settings". If it charges, RUN! A mother moose refuses to share the road with a truck — and ends up ramming it for 15 minutes. in: Featured, Manly Skills, Outdoors, Visual Guides, Patrick Hutchison Always stay at least 25 yards (or meters) from a wild moose. So, moose injure more people, but that’s basically because there are more moose. And in winter, when moose are more likely to become tired from wading through deep snow without much food, they’re more likely to be a tad grumpy. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Their brown fur blends perfectly with the natural colors of their preferred forest environment. This includes trees like mountain ash, maple, birch, aspen and willow. Luckily, however, most moose charges are bluff charges—a warning that it’s better for you to leave. “Moose pick up on lateral movement immediately,” Legere says. Getting too close to a calf: Never get between a mother (cow) and her young. This goes for your garden, too. The Art of Manliness participates in affiliate marketing programs, which means we get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links. Both black bears and grizzly bears are predators and may stalk their prey. Generally, you’ll see them before they see you. If you see it’s a cow moose with a calf, it’s smart to increase that distance even more. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. As an effort to give back and protect the lands we love to explore, we donate 10% of profits to conservation organizations. We only recommend products we genuinely like, and purchases made through our links support our mission and the free content we publish here on AoM. Moose may confuse them for a predator, like a wolf, and decide to attack. Adult moose can run faster than 30 miles per hour (50 km/h). Maine moose are in trouble bangordailynews.com - Bob Duchesne, Good Birding and Bangor Metro • 20h. But this is a mistaken assumption. If the moose is agitated and looks like it may attack you, run away or take cover behind a solid object. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. What to do if you see the moose If you see moose in the city, Cox advises you to keep your distance. While this means that no human can outrun a moose, running away from an aggressive moose is still a solid moose safety tactic if you can find some cover. This snowmobiler made a mistake at about the 10 second mark when he decided he could "bump" the moose just like you do elk or deer. But, a bad meeting with a moose can have dire consequences, and is in fact more likely than an attack from any other animal — in the Americas, injuries by moose outnumber every other wild animal, beating out bear and wolf attacks combined. ), an adult moose is nothing to mess with. 4: Run away as fast as possible if the moose charges you. Do’s: When you find a moose, simply walk around it or away from it. Overview Of Moose . Therefore, one of the best tips to avoid a moose attack is to pay close attention to your surroundings. Moose see dogs as a wolf, which is their number one predator. Recommended Book: Moose: Crowned Giant of the Northern Wilderness. The total number of moose in the United States is estimated at around 300,000. Figure out which one it is and do your best to resolve it! You’ll find everything about moose safety in this blog post! You can see 10 moose a day if you walk 5 to 8 miles a day." 5: Seek additional protection by ducking behind a large tree, rock, or building. (function($) {window.fnames = new Array(); window.ftypes = new Array();fnames[1]='FNAME';ftypes[1]='text';fnames[0]='EMAIL';ftypes[0]='email';}(jQuery));var $mcj = jQuery.noConflict(true); Planning on swapping out your dress shoes for hiking boots and adding a backpack to your wedding day wardrobe? Don’t fight back. Moose are often casually browsing a stand of trees or hanging out along the shores of a pond or lake, which are also common hiking trail locations. This greatly increases the chance of a surprise moose encounter. Lovely. Like this illustrated guide? Curl up in a ball. Pick up a copy on Amazon. The average shoulder height of a wild moose is 6 feet, which is a full foot taller than the next-largest deer species—the elk or wapiti. What to Do if You See a Moose. The only reason why a moose would charge a human is if it perceives the human to be a threat to its own (or its calf’s) safety. The vulva patch is mostly white. In this guide, you'll learn exactly where to see wildlife in Yellowstone, including bison, bears, moose, elk and wolves, as well as when to visit Yellowstone for the best wildlife viewing. The balance of nature is a beautiful thing, except when it isn’t. These animals are quite demanding, and if a moose decides that you haven’t shared … If you notice moose tracks near a watering hole in the afternoon, come back at dawn—there’s a good chance you will see the bog’s regular customer. Even though they’re one of North America’s largest land animals, moose can be surprisingly quiet and invisible. All this is to say, moose have the capacity to be aggressive at pretty much any time of year, and their behavior can be unpredictable. It will generally back down once its driven you far enough away. To keep both you and Canada’s moose population safe, Cottage Life editor Michelle Kelly has some key tips for when you see one on your next cottage drive. You can’t outrun moose, which can travel up to 30 miles per hour. Click on "Read More" for more details about our privacy policy. And if you’re hiking with dogs, make sure to keep them leashed and as quiet as possible. Although Maine’s moose population is stable, the herd is … A good rule to follow is that if the moose is becoming agitated, you’re too close. If the moose did notice you, on the other hand, you have to convince it you’re not a threat. Snapshot from YouTube video/BowhuntingRoad. Mangy could mean it's loosing it's winter hair or possibly is invested by ticks. Give him about 50 feet of personal space. – Moose aren’t great at stress management; that’s why, if they see people coming up too closely, they may start panicking and can charge. It may be the case that moose attacks are disproportionally high because people aren’t as scared to get close to them, as they are to, say, a grizzly. Certain times of day (dawn and dusk) and of the year (early spring and late fall) are better than others for moose-sighting. >> Approach a moose head-on to avoid spooking it. First of all, if you’ve spotted the moose from a distance, keep it that way. So, my main moose safety tip is: give moose space and leave the area if the animal appears agitated. If you or anyone in your area has ever seen a moose in the neighborhood, go get fence-building supplies now. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. In national parks, it’s the law to stay at least 25 yards (or meters) from a wild moose anyway. According to Alaska’s Fish and Game Department, if a moose charges you, then run because they will not chase you very far; unlike a bear or wolf whose predatory instinct is triggered by running. The second charge could be an actual attack. • Drive no faster than 55 mph, and wear your seatbelt. In late spring and early summer, cows (adult female moose) are more aggressive around their newborn calves. Mother moose are very protective of their calves, it is best that you stay far away from the calves by walking far and away from them. This, of course, makes it much easier for you to run into a moose while hiking than encountering one of the much less common grizzly bears or elusive mountain lions. If the moose hasn’t noticed you, keep your distance and continue on your hike (or turn back if the trail leads toward the animal). Moose typically won’t chase people over a long distance. The "North American Serengeti", Yellowstone National Park is a paradise for wildlife lovers. The most obvious signs are laidback ears and upright hackles. Here’s a florist who specializes in weddings and elopements in the outdoors, including national parks! Moose are the largest types of deer, and also the most dangerous. Second, if the moose hasn’t yet noticed you, don’t try to get its attention. We use cookies to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. When you come across a moose, do whatever you can to stay out of its way. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL cookies. Once you’re out of their immediate vicinity, they should go back to what they were doing. Moose are much more abundant in America’s national parks than both bears and mountain lions. People should not under any circumstances approach large wildlife, no matter how "calm or friendly" they appear, Cox said. Resist the urge to flash your lights or honk your horn to scare the moose away. You might not find a moose that threatening, but more people are injured each year by moose than bears. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Getting too close, period: Don't yell, throw things, or even offer food. If you need to be late or take a day off work because a moose is lying on your porch, do it. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. If you have a dog with you and you see a moose, leash him and keep him back. – Do NOT feed a moose. According to the WRCC, moose tend to be aggressive and doing so when they’re near could incite them to charge your vehicle. Do not approach the animal. Do not swerve to avoid the moose; these creatures are unpredictable and may move right into your new path. Many of America's northern national parks are home to moose; these parks offer the best chances to spot them in the wild. Additionally, unlike many other large mammals, moose tend to stand their ground when other animals, including humans, approach. Your email address will not be published. Moose have colors that vary from golden brown to nearly black, with most individuals having dark brown fur. (That said, animal attacks in general are exceedingly rare. If needed, create more space by backing away calmly. The typical reaction to a dog is to attack in self-defense, stomping the dog and often the dog’s owner. This is especially important near ponds, lakes and streams and in thickets of willows, which are all prime moose habitats. Maybe you get your camera phone out and make a video to share online. 4.3 (72 Votes) Park. Try to be as far as 50 feet from it. These cookies do not store any personal information. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, NC/TN, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, CO, stay at least 25 yards (or meters) from a wild moose, Moose: Crowned Giant of the Northern Wilderness, The Ultimate Guide to Wildlife Watching in Yellowstone National Park, 5 Best National Parks to See Orcas (Killer Whales). "If you don't have to walk in the direction where the moose is, then don't." Moose are generally not afraid of people, so don’t count on them quickly running the other way when they see you. Don’t chase after it or antagonize it. Back off and run. © 2012-2021 The National Parks Experience. Your best bet is to know how to avoid triggering an attack. If you’re not able to run, try to find cover behind a solid object, which could be anything from a car to a large tree. How do you know when a moose might attack? Don’t act aggressively during a moose encounter, never briskly wave your arms or shout. Additionally, cow moose with a calf are also fiercely protective and will defend their calf against any perceived threat. Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, Maine, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. And while moose are generally not aggressive, they can be unpredictable—especially during rutting season. That’s why they make the news; they just don’t happen very often.). Adult moose stand between 4.5 and 7 feet at the shoulder, depending on the sex. Check out these top national parks to see orcas in the wild. 1: If you see a moose, give it plenty of space-at least 50 feet. It’s not uncommon to see moose in residential areas, especially in locations such as Alaska, Canada, and Maine, where the animals live in large populations. Unlike deer or elk, moose are also less likely to steer clear of humans. Do You Have to Wear a Mask in National Parks? Don’t expect to scare away a moose the same way you might startle a deer on the trail. In national parks, it’s the law to stay at least 25 yards (or meters) from a wild moose anyway. So if a moose approaches you, back away. A moose that sees you and walks slowly towards you is not trying to be your friend; it may be looking for a hand-out or warning you to keep away. Protect your head and neck with your arms. Third, watch for signs indicating that the moose is agitated. If you see it’s a cow moose with a calf, it’s smart to increase that distance even more. These are some amazing parks to see moose in the wild: Born in Belgium and based in Oregon, Bram is the founder and editor-in-chief of The National Parks Experience. If you recognize the signs of "moose aggression" (or it just starts charging at you), there are some things you can do to keep yourself safe. When my husband built me a new garden this year, he also built a 5.5-foot-tall fence around it to keep the animals out. In case you get knocked down by an aggressive moose, you should curl up into a ball and remain motionless. One of the largest animals in North America, the massive moose is an imposing sight, especially when you see one while hiking. When you see moose calves, take a good look around you and try to spot the mother. 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Do not stand your ground. There’s something about moose … Learn how your comment data is processed. If the moose has noticed you, talk to it calmly and softly while also keeping your distance. If you can get a clear view of the rear of the moose you can tell if it is a cow moose if there is a whitish hair patch below it's tail. Make sure you get behind the nearest tree, fence, or building that acts as a strong barrier between you and the moose. All Rights Reserved. One of the most iconic marine animals in the world, orcas (or killer whales) live in every ocean on the planet. Dear Eartha, I’m walking along my neighborhood trail and there is a moose ahead, what do I do? They figure moose are relatively “tame,” like deer. Do not stand your ground. Talk to the animal in a soft voice and slowly move out of the area. Simply because moose’s legs are so tall, if you hit a moose with your car, the heavy animal will fall right through your windshield. If you are trying to harm the moose in your dream, this signifies an unresolved problem in your personal life. Be quiet and, if you’re far enough away from it, continue hiking down the trail. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. An attack or charge during moose encounter is always defensive. Generally, the moose will leave the area, probably having seen you before you see him. In the United States, they're a common sight along the West Coast, especially in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. You won’t win anyway and that will only prolong the attack. Seeing a moose from up close can be downright imposing. What do you do? 1: If you see a moose, give it plenty of space-at least 50 feet. This often happens when hikers approach a moose too closely, whether by accident or intentionally. Male moose have large antlers, which is one of the species’ most distinguishable features. You can read more about our Terms of Use / Disclosure here. What to Do in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Pacific Northwest National Parks Road Trip, Southern California Desert Parks Road Trip, Ultimate National Park Road Trips Overview, Best Hikes in Mount Rainier National Park, Best National Parks for Wildlife Watching, Shenandoah National Park Wildlife Viewing Guide, Yellowstone National Park Wildlife Viewing Guide, Best State & National Parks Near Las Vegas, Best National Parks Near Portland, Oregon, Best National Parks Near Los Angeles, California, Best National Parks Near San Francisco, California. You really don’t want to mess with an angry moose. Look around. Therefore, if you notice that the animal is upset, you should leave the area right away, calmly and quietly. Moose are the largest member of the deer family. From tees and sweatshirts to stickers, our original designs showcase many of America’s iconic parks and landscapes. You can have a moose encounter in nineteen U.S. states, from Washington to Wyoming and from Colorado to Vermont. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. When he’s not spending time and taking photos in the great outdoors, or researching new national park trips, you can find him sipping IPAs in his favorite local craft brewery. Subscribe to our newsletter and receive news and blog posts related to the national parks and nature conservation, delivered straight to your inbox every first Sunday of the month. 2: Watch for nearby calves. The long hairs on its hump are raised, ears laid back (much like a dog or cat), and it may lick its lips (if you can see this, you are way too close).