Moose are a captivating part of the Adirondack wilderness. Understanding these animals and how they thrive in the Adirondacks is important for conservation and visitor awareness.
Moose Presence in the Adirondacks
Moose are present in the Adirondacks, forming a significant part of the park’s wildlife. Recent estimates from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) indicate a population of approximately 716 moose within the Adirondack Park, ranging between 566 and 906 individuals. This population is concentrated primarily in the northeastern Adirondacks, though individual moose may occasionally wander into other areas of New York State. While the Adirondack moose population is stable, its growth has been slower compared to neighboring New England states. Maine’s moose population, for instance, is estimated at 60,000 to 70,000.
The Return of Moose to the Region
Moose were common in New York, but by the mid-1800s, they had largely disappeared from the Adirondack region. This decline was due to extensive deforestation and unregulated hunting. By 1892, moose were considered extirpated from the state. Their current presence results from natural recolonization, not direct reintroduction efforts. Beginning in the 1980s, moose naturally migrated back into New York from neighboring populations in Canada and northern New England states. This gradual return occurred as habitats improved and protective measures were put in place.
Adirondack Moose Characteristics and Habitat
Adirondack moose are the largest members of the deer family and the largest land mammals in New York State. Adult bulls can weigh between 600 and 1,200 pounds and stand up to six feet tall at the shoulder, while cows typically weigh 500 to 800 pounds. Both sexes have dark brown or black bodies, long grayish-white legs, and a distinctive flap of skin under the throat known as a bell. Only male moose grow antlers, which can span over five feet wide and are shed annually between November and January, regrowing from March to April.
As herbivores, moose consume 40 to 60 pounds of vegetation daily. Their diet includes leaves, twigs, and buds from trees and shrubs like willows, birches, maples, balsam fir, and hemlock. Aquatic plants, such as pond lilies and pondweed, are an important food source, providing essential sodium obtained by wading or diving in wetlands. Ideal moose habitat in the Adirondacks features a mix of mature forests, open areas created by natural disturbances or logging, and abundant wetlands. These wet areas also offer respite from biting insects and heat during warmer months.
Encountering Moose Safely
While moose generally appear calm, they are wild animals that can become dangerous if threatened. Maintain a safe distance and never approach or feed them. If a moose changes its behavior in response to your presence, you are too close.
Certain situations increase the likelihood of aggressive behavior, particularly during the fall rutting season (September and October) when bulls seek mates, or when cows protect their calves in spring and summer.
Warning signs that a moose may be agitated include:
A lowered head
Hair standing up on its neck or back
Licking its snout
Pinning back its ears
Swaying from side to side
If a moose charges, do not stand your ground; instead, run and place a large object like a tree, vehicle, or building between yourself and the animal. If knocked down, curl into a ball to protect your head and vital organs. When driving, especially at dawn or dusk, slow down and be vigilant for moose on roadways. If a collision is imminent, brake firmly without swerving.