Maine is home to the largest population of moose in the contiguous United States. The state’s diverse environment provides suitable conditions for these large mammals to thrive.
Maine’s Moose Population and Range
Maine currently hosts the largest moose population in the lower 48 states. Estimates from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife indicate a population of between 40,000 and 60,000 moose. This number has fluctuated, with a peak around 100,000 approximately 25 years ago, and a low of about 2,000 in 1935 due to unrestricted hunting and habitat loss.
Moose are most abundant in the vast northern and western forests of Maine. These regions include areas such as the Western Lakes and Mountains, the Kennebec Valley, the Maine Highlands, and Aroostook County. The extensive commercial harvesting of trees in these forestlands creates a continuous supply of young trees and shrubs, which are a primary food source for moose.
Understanding Moose Habitat and Behavior
Moose prefer diverse habitats, including boreal forests, wetlands, and areas with access to water bodies. These environments offer both abundant food and crucial shelter. They are herbivores, primarily consuming leaves and twigs from woody plants, known as browse. Their diet includes willow, aspen, birch, maple, pin cherry, and mountain ash.
Aquatic plants like pondweed and water lily are also important, providing essential sodium, which is often scarce in terrestrial vegetation. Moose often frequent wetlands and water bodies during warmer months to feed on these plants and to cool themselves, as well as to escape insects. Moose are generally solitary animals, with the strongest bonds forming between a mother and her calf. They are most active at dawn and dusk, though they can be seen throughout the day.
Safe Encounters with Moose
Encountering a moose can be an exciting experience, but it is important to prioritize safety. Always maintain a considerable distance from moose, whether on foot or in a vehicle. If you spot a moose, avoid startling it or attempting to approach it for a closer look or a photograph.
Recognizing signs of agitation is important: laid-back ears, raised hair on the hump or neck, lip smacking, or stomping can indicate a moose is stressed and might charge. If a moose charges, running away and seeking cover behind a solid object like a large tree is advisable, as moose typically do not chase far. If knocked down, curl into a ball to protect your head and remain still until the moose moves away. Moose are frequently encountered along roadsides, especially at dawn and dusk, and drivers should slow down and be particularly vigilant during these times.