Moose are present in New York. As the largest member of the deer family and the biggest land mammal in the state, these animals can stand over six feet tall at the shoulder and weigh more than half a ton.
Moose in New York Today
Moose were once absent from New York, having been extirpated by the 1860s primarily due to unregulated hunting and widespread habitat destruction. Small-scale attempts to reintroduce them in the late 19th and early 20th centuries were largely unsuccessful. However, beginning in the 1980s, moose started to naturally return to the state, migrating from neighboring populations in Vermont, Massachusetts, and Quebec.
A small resident population was first documented in the Adirondacks in 1986, initially estimated at a mere 6 to 11 individuals. This population steadily grew, reaching an estimated 400 moose by 2010. Recent aerial surveys conducted by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) between 2016 and 2019 estimated the Adirondack moose population to be around 700 animals, with an October 2024 update indicating about 716 moose. The DEC actively monitors these populations through methods like GPS collaring and aerial surveys. Moose are currently a protected species in New York, with no hunting season.
Where Moose are Found
Moose in New York are predominantly found in the northeastern part of the state, with the Adirondack Mountains serving as their primary stronghold. Beyond the Adirondacks, populations also exist in the Taconic Highlands along the Massachusetts and Vermont borders. Occasional sightings have also been reported in eastern Washington, Rensselaer, and Columbia counties.
Moose thrive in specific habitats that provide both food and cover. They favor a mix of upland mature forests, areas with new growth from past fires or logging, and various wetlands such as beaver flows. These environments supply the abundant leaves, twigs, buds, and aquatic vegetation that form the bulk of their diet. During summer, they particularly rely on sodium-rich aquatic plants found in ponds and wetlands. Some specific locations within the Adirondacks known for frequent moose sightings include:
- Vermontville along Route 3
- Meacham Lake on Route 30
- Saranac Lake
- The Limekiln Lake-Cedar River Road
- Lake Lila
Interacting with Moose
Encountering a moose in the wild requires maintaining a significant distance. These large, wild animals need respect and space, as getting too close can cause them stress and lead to defensive behavior. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation advises against approaching moose along roadways or anywhere else.
Moose may display various warning signs if they feel threatened. These warning signs include:
- Laying their ears back
- Raising the hair on their neck or hump
- Licking their snout
- Smacking their lips
- Showing the whites of their eyes
- Lowering their head and walking towards you
If a moose exhibits any of these behaviors, it indicates you are too close and should slowly back away. If a moose charges, running away and putting a large, solid object like a tree, rock, or vehicle between yourself and the animal is recommended. If you are knocked down, curling into a ball to protect your head and neck is advisable. Never feed moose, as this can alter their natural behavior and lead to dangerous interactions.