Reproduction

The mating season begins in September and lasts till October during which time males undergo their rut. At the start of the breeding season both the male and female will bellow to attract a mate.

Throughout the rut they will splash urine across the rutting pits which helps to attract females.

During the mating season males will regularly fight to gain mating rights with the females in their area. Both males and females may mate with multiple partners.

After a 240 day gestation period the female will give birth to between one and two calves. At birth the calves are more of a reddish color when compared to the adults.

The mother will give birth in a secluded spot which hides her calf. It is able to walk within two days of birth. Within a week they can swim which provides an escape from predators.

These suckle milk from their mother until weaning at six months old. They may remain with the mother for up to a year.

Sexual maturity is reached at 1 year old.

Behavior

Moose may be active through the day and night. Activity levels peak around dawn and dusk. When the weather is at its warmest they may bathe in the water to cool off.

These animals are mostly considered solitary outside of breeding or when females are raising young.

While moose may form a territory they often do not defend it as they move around during much of the year. Females tend to favor habitats with cover for them to hide their young amongst.

They are considered to have poor eyesight but their smell and hearing work well to compensate for this.

Predators and Threats

Natural predators of the moose include bears, tigers and wolves. These animals primarily target calves with the adult males using their large antlers to defend themselves.

In parts of their range they may be seen as a pest of agriculture and forestry areas.

Humans impact their population through forestry and agriculture which decreases the availability of their preferred forests. Deer can transfer diseases which affect the moose.

Parasites such as ticks can also become a major threat. They will attach in large numbers to a moose potentially causing anemia. In an attempt to rid themselves of the ticks they will rub off patches of fur.

Some hunting occurs. In areas this may be to reduce their impact on forestry while in others it is for sport. They are also commonly impacted by vehicle strikes both on roads and trainlines.

Quick facts

In Europe this species is known as the elk. This name is more commonly applied to the wapiti (Cervus canadensis) in North America.

The moose is listed as the state animal of the US state of Maine.

Debate is ongoing as to whether the North American and Eurasian populations should be considered as separate species.