Moose do not have an established, breeding population in New Jersey. They were historically extirpated from the region by the 1800s due to unregulated hunting and extensive habitat loss. However, sporadic, verified sightings of transient individuals do occur, primarily in the northern counties adjacent to New York and Pennsylvania. These animals are typically wandering south from viable populations in the Adirondacks or New England, making their presence a rare, temporary event rather than a sign of recolonization. The occasional appearance of a moose generates significant public interest, but the state’s environment presents major ecological barriers to long-term survival.
Confirming the Presence: Rare Sightings in New Jersey
The few moose that appear in New Jersey are almost always young, male dispersers moving out of established populations to find new territory. These wandering individuals originate from the closest stable groups in the Adirondack region of New York State or further east in New England. Historically, the first documented sighting in New Jersey since the 1800s occurred in the mid-1990s, near the Delaware Water Gap area.
Sightings are almost exclusively concentrated in the northwestern counties, specifically Sussex and Warren, which border New York and Pennsylvania. These areas contain the most expansive tracts of contiguous forest and wetland habitat remaining in the state, offering temporary refuge. The transient nature of these animals means they do not remain long enough to establish a population or breed, usually passing through the region before returning north or succumbing to the challenges of the unsuitable environment.
Why New Jersey Is Not Moose Territory
New Jersey’s climate and ecological conditions prevent the establishment of a stable, breeding moose population. Moose are a cold-adapted species, and the warmer climate of the Mid-Atlantic region creates significant physiological stress. Studies have shown that moose begin to suffer from heat stress when temperatures rise above 80°F (27°C).
The state’s high average temperatures, especially during the summer, can reduce foraging time and increase energy expenditure as the animal attempts to cool itself. This thermal stress is compounded by the threat of parasites, particularly the winter tick, whose populations thrive in shorter, warmer winters. Heavy tick infestations can lead to severe blood loss and death, especially in calves.
The widespread presence of white-tailed deer also introduces a major disease threat in the form of brainworm, a nematode parasite. While this parasite rarely harms the deer, it is nearly 100% fatal to moose, causing neurological damage that leads to death. Given New Jersey’s dense deer population, any moose attempting to settle would face a high risk of contracting this disease. Furthermore, New Jersey is the most densely populated state, resulting in significant habitat fragmentation and a lack of the extensive boreal forest and wetland habitat moose require for year-round survival.
Safety and Reporting Guidelines
Encountering a moose presents a serious hazard, particularly for drivers, as bulls can weigh up to 1,200 pounds. Vehicle collisions with moose are highly dangerous due to the animal’s height, which causes its body to impact the vehicle’s windshield and cabin instead of being deflected by the bumper. If you see a moose near a roadway, reduce your speed immediately and give the animal wide berth.
When observing a moose, maintain a significant distance and never attempt to approach, feed, or harass the animal. Moose can become defensive, especially if they perceive a threat or if a cow has a calf nearby. The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife (NJ DFW) relies on public reporting to monitor these transient individuals.
If you sight a live moose that appears healthy and is not causing a nuisance, the NJ DFW encourages the use of its online NJ Wildlife Tracker application to log the observation. For emergencies, such as an injured or dead-on-road moose, or an animal causing a public safety hazard, immediately call the 24/7 DEP Action Line at 1-877-WARN-DEP (1-877-927-6337). Providing the exact location and a description of the animal is important.