Moose are present in New England, representing a significant part of the region’s diverse wildlife. These large mammals inhabit forested landscapes across several New England states. Their presence contributes to the natural ecosystem and offers viewing opportunities for those exploring the area’s wilderness.
Where Moose Roam in New England
Moose populations are most prominent in the northern New England states, including Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Maine boasts one of the largest moose populations in the country, with estimates ranging from 60,000 to 70,000 animals, particularly in its western lakes and mountains, the Kennebec Valley, the Maine Highlands, and Aroostook County. New Hampshire’s moose population is estimated at around 3,000 to 4,000, with many found in Coos County and the White Mountains. Vermont is home to approximately 2,000 moose, primarily concentrated in the bogs and wetlands of the Northeast Kingdom and along the Green Mountains. While less numerous, moose also inhabit parts of southern New England, with Massachusetts having a breeding population mainly in central and western regions, and occasional sightings in areas like the Quabbin Reservoir.
Factors Supporting Moose Populations
New England’s environment provides a suitable habitat for moose. Mature forests and areas with regenerating growth offer abundant food sources, as moose are herbivores consuming large amounts of browse, including leaves, twigs, and bark from plants such as willow, aspen, birch, maple, and fir. Aquatic vegetation, like pondweed and water lilies, is also an important part of their diet, especially in summer, as it provides essential sodium. The presence of wetlands, bogs, and shallow bodies of water allows moose to cool themselves during warmer months and escape insects. Historically, moose populations in New England faced declines due to unregulated hunting and extensive forest clearing, but conservation efforts, including protective laws and forest regeneration, have allowed their numbers to rebound in many areas.
Life and Characteristics of New England Moose
The moose found in New England is the eastern moose subspecies (Alces alces americana). Males are large animals, typically standing 5.6 to 6.6 feet tall at the shoulder and weighing up to 1,398 pounds, while females are slightly smaller, averaging 5.6 feet at the shoulder and weighing between 600 and 790 pounds. Only male moose grow antlers, which can span up to 4.9 feet across and are shed annually, usually in late fall or early winter. Moose are generally solitary animals, with the strongest bonds forming between a mother and her calf, and they are most active during dawn and dusk. While New England’s moose populations have seen recovery, they currently face challenges, particularly from winter ticks; warmer winters contribute to an increase in tick populations, leading to high mortality rates, especially among calves, and reduced reproductive success in adult cows.
Coexisting with New England Moose
Interacting with moose in New England requires awareness and caution due to their large size. Road safety is a primary concern, as moose frequently cross roadways, especially during dawn, dusk, and nighttime hours. Hundreds of moose-vehicle collisions are reported annually in states like Maine, so drivers should reduce speed in areas with moose crossing signs and remain vigilant. When encountering a moose in the wild, it is important to maintain a safe distance and avoid startling the animal. Moose, particularly cows with calves or bulls during the autumn mating season, can become defensive if they feel threatened, so observing these animals from a distance, ideally from a vehicle, helps ensure both human and moose safety.