Moose, the largest members of the deer family, are an iconic presence across Canada. These impressive animals are a recognizable symbol of the Canadian wilderness, inhabiting vast stretches of its diverse landscapes.
Where Moose Roam
Moose inhabit nearly every Canadian province and territory, excluding Prince Edward Island and the high Arctic. Their range extends from the Alaska boundary to Newfoundland and Labrador. These large ungulates thrive in cooler climates.
Preferred environments include boreal forests, mixed deciduous forests, wetlands, and areas near water bodies like lakes, muskegs, and streams. They are often found in regions where recent forest fires or logging have occurred, as these disturbances promote the growth of young trees and shrubs which serve as a primary food source. While broadly distributed, areas like Newfoundland, New Brunswick, and north-central Ontario boast notable populations.
Moose Characteristics and Subspecies
Moose are easily distinguished by their immense size, long legs, and a pronounced shoulder hump. An adult male, known as a bull, can stand between 1.7 to 2.1 meters (5.6 to 6.9 feet) tall at the shoulder and weigh up to 750 kilograms (1,650 pounds). Females (cows) are slightly smaller, averaging 270-360 kg (600-790 lbs). Their coat color ranges from light brown to dark brown or even blackish, and males develop large, palmate antlers that can span up to two meters (6.6 feet) across.
Canada is home to four distinct subspecies of moose, each with specific regional distributions. The Alaska/Yukon moose (Alces alces gigas) is the largest, found primarily in Alaska and the western Yukon, extending into northwest British Columbia. The Western Canada moose (Alces alces andersoni) is the second largest, inhabiting British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, eastern Yukon, Northwest Territories, southwestern Nunavut, and western Ontario.
The Eastern Canada moose (Alces alces americana) is somewhat smaller with a darker coloration and is found throughout Eastern Canada, including New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Quebec, and eastern Ontario. Finally, the Shiras moose (Alces alces shirasi), the smallest North American subspecies, occupies the Rocky Mountain regions of southern British Columbia and eastern Alberta. Despite variations in size and antler characteristics, all Canadian moose share the general physical traits that make them unmistakable.
Population and Conservation
The overall moose population in Canada is substantial, estimated to be between 500,000 and 1 million individuals. While moose are not considered at risk nationally, their populations can fluctuate and face regional challenges. For instance, the mainland moose population in Nova Scotia is considered endangered, with only about 1,000 individuals remaining in small, isolated groups.
Various factors influence moose populations, including habitat loss and degradation. Climate change, disease, and parasites (such as winter tick and brainworm) contribute to declines in some areas. Predation from wolves and bears, alongside hunting pressures, also affect local numbers. Despite these challenges, moose populations are well-managed in Canada, with ongoing conservation efforts.