A LITTLE BIT ABOUT MOOSE

A LITTLE BIT ABOUT MOOSE

Copyright 2021 by Lori-Ann Willey

Did know that moose can hold their breath underwater for a minute due to flaps in their nostrils?  That those same flaps allow them to dive to a depth of about 20 feet? Or, that moose can swim for 10-15 miles or more?

A moose is a large beastly critter that captures the hearts of many. Some people think they are adorably cute, while others consider them hideously ugly, and most will put up a playful banter on each side. However, their vast size is one topic that most will agree upon.

According to Maine statistics, the largest moose harvested in the state (on record) weighed 1,767 pounds (live weight).  Moose can be nine feet long with hooves five inches across.  The leg length of each varies, as does their girth, horns, etc.  We’ve seen a moose with such short legs, you’d swear it was a farmer’s cow.  The body was boxy like one, too, but rest assured, it was a moose. I've had a huge bull moose walk past me as I sat hunting one fall.  I swear, it was the size of a train!  Of course, I sat upon the ground, so that just magnified its size even more.   Younger moose tend to “be all legs” and have that lanky look about them.  As they mature, their bodies become more proportionate, they fill out and have a more rugged appearance. Even so, those long legs are notable at any age.   Their size, too, and you can't miss that muzzle of theirs either.

The difference between male (bull) and female (cow) is more than just the obvious antlers (male), or lack their of (female). Their size, shape, and coloration give clues during the months after the bulls drop their antlers.  Bulls tend to have darker faces, while the cow face is lighter and brownish.  The rest of their body is black or a deep brown.  During the spring months,  before/as they shed their hair, they are often brown and shabby looking.  Their babies are creamy beige to help them blend in with their surroundings and as they age, their hair darkens.  Both male and female moose have bells on their neck, though the male skin flap is more pronounced. 

Moose shed their antlers each fall after the mating season called, “the rut”.  Once on the ground a few wild critters, including rodents, will gnaw away at them.  This is not only a source of calcium and other nutrients, but a good tooth conditioner, too, as chewing the hard bone wears down tooth growth for rodents, especially. The baby moose (called calves) stay with the mother until the mother is ready to deliver another baby.  It is then that she’ll drive away the existing yearling and focus on the baby-to-be.   

Moose eat vegetation such as pondweeds, grasses, and leaves.  They also nibble tender limb tips. From my observation, moose seem partial to young maple and willow saplings.  Watching a moose eat a dozen or so leaves in a single swipe is an impressive watch for anyone at any age.  Moose clench a limb with their mouth/teeth (they have 32 teeth) and move their head in such a way to strip the leaves in one swift motion leaving the green twig barren.  Those stripped tips usually die and dry up by fall. Why the tops of maple saplings are often seen plucked of their leaves.  Because of this motion of stripping the trees Native American’s gave these big beasts the name Moosu, which means stripper of leaves.  During the winter, moose nibble on tree twigs, bushes, and shrubs of the hardwood type with willow taking a special interest. 

Because moose are large beasts, they need to keep an adequate diet to remain strong, disease-free, and healthy.  They can easily eat 50 or more pounds of food each day.  That’s a lot!  Cow moose, especially, need to go into the fall and winter months as hardy as possible.  Once pregnant, she’ll be feeding “for two”.  If she is carrying twins, nutrition is extremely important, so please try not to disturb her, or any other moose, while feeding.  Let them eat without stress.

Though moose are big and bulky, you must not dismiss their power or speed.  They CAN outrun you by about 30 mph.  If you find yourself in a situation around an agitated moose, especially during the fall months known as, “the rut” (their mating season), leave the area.  Otherwise, put a decent size tree between you and the beast, and do not dismiss their long legs that easily thrash about in all directions, and their antlers that can do some serious harm, too.  Do not chase them, follow them with a snowmobile or a vehicle.  Don't harass them by boat either.  Stop.  Let them pass, walk by, or cross the road before you continue movement.  Give them distance.  They already must be on the lookout for predators of the four-legged kind as it is.  No need to add a noisy moving vehicle, too.   If you see photos of a moose running down a road, more than likely, in pursuit is a vehicle wanting to capture a few moose photos. For the sake of the moose, do them a favor and discourage such acts, or they are liable to repeat the process.

Moose give subtle warning signs at first, then more obvious signs that they are displeased with a situation.  However, during "the rut" all bets are off.

1.  Ears back. 2. Hair on neck/back stand.  3. Head down.  4.  Stops eating.  5.  Clacking of the teeth/lips, and small grunts.  6.  They'll turn to face you.  7.  The whites of their eyes will be prominent.

Willey's Dam Camp