Moose are present in Utah, offering a unique wildlife viewing opportunity. These large animals are the biggest members of the deer family in North America, standing as tall as six feet at the shoulder and weighing up to 1,200 pounds.
Moose in Utah
Moose were not native to Utah until the early 1900s, when they expanded their range into the state from Idaho and Wyoming. The first recorded sighting was around 1906 in Spanish Fork Canyon, with a resident herd established in the Uinta Mountains by 1947. Utah’s moose population, primarily the Shiras subspecies, currently ranges between 2,500 and 3,000 individuals.
The Shiras moose is the smallest of the four recognized North American subspecies. These herbivores primarily consume aquatic vegetation and new woody growth during warmer months. During the winter, their diet shifts to bark and twigs from evergreen and deciduous trees due to the scarcity of other food sources. Moose are active throughout the day, with increased activity around dawn and dusk.
Where to Find Moose in Utah
Moose are commonly found in mountainous regions of northern and northeastern Utah. These areas include the Wasatch Front, the Uinta Mountains (particularly their north slope), and areas near Ogden and East Canyon.
Moose prefer forest habitats blending wooded areas with open spaces near lakes or wetlands. Riparian zones, like river bottoms with abundant shrubby and aquatic vegetation, are also favored environments. Moose typically reside at higher elevations due to their preference for cooler temperatures, though they can occasionally wander into lower-lying areas.
Safe Encounters with Utah Moose
Encountering a moose can be exciting, but safety is paramount. Always maintain a safe distance and observe their behavior. Never approach or feed a moose, as this can provoke aggression. Keep dogs leashed and under control; moose perceive dogs as predators and may become aggressive. Allowing dogs to chase or harass wildlife is against Utah law.
Moose exhibit warning signs before becoming aggressive: lowering their head, raising neck hair, licking their snout, and pinning ears back. If a moose displays these behaviors, remain calm and avoid running. Speak softly to make your presence known and slowly back away.
If a moose charges, seek shelter behind a solid obstacle like a tree, vehicle, or building. If knocked down, curl into a ball, protect your head, and remain still until it moves away. Cows with calves are defensive in spring and summer, while bull moose may be more aggressive during the fall breeding season. Moose can be dangerous; in some areas, they injure more people than bears.