Moose are present in Wyoming, making the state a significant habitat for these large cervids. Their presence contributes to the state’s rich biodiversity. Understanding their habitats and population status provides insight into the health of Wyoming’s ecosystems.
Wyoming’s Moose Species and Characteristics
Wyoming is home to the Shiras moose, Alces alces shirasi, the smallest of the North American moose subspecies. These animals are characterized by their towering size, dark brown coloration, long legs, and a distinctive pendulous muzzle. Males, known as bulls, develop broad, palmate antlers, which can spread up to 56 inches or more. A growth of skin and hair, called a “bell,” often hangs from their throat.
Shiras moose can weigh between 600 to 1,200 pounds and stand about 5 to 6.5 feet tall at the shoulder. Their diet primarily consists of woody browse, including willows, aspens, and aquatic vegetation such as water lilies and pondweed during warmer months. In winter, they also consume conifers like subalpine fir and yew, along with mountain shrubs like bitterbrush and serviceberry. Moose are solitary animals and are known for their ability to defend themselves against large carnivores.
Key Habitats and Distribution
Moose in Wyoming prefer habitats characterized by abundant woody browse and access to water. They are commonly found in willow bottoms, riparian areas along rivers and streams, and high-elevation forests. These environments provide essential food sources and cover. During severe winters, moose may also utilize mature conifer forests, which offer both food and protection from the elements.
Moose populations are concentrated in the western and northwestern parts of the state. Prominent areas include the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, encompassing regions like Jackson Hole, the Gros Ventre Wilderness, and parts of the Wind River Range. Moose also inhabit the Bighorn Mountains in north-central Wyoming and have colonized areas in southeastern Wyoming, such as the Snowy Range and Sierra Madre Mountains.
Population Trends and Conservation
Wyoming’s moose population has experienced a decline since the mid-1990s, when numbers were estimated to be over 10,000 animals. In 2014, the statewide population was estimated at 4,050 animals, and by 2020, it was reported to be just under 3,500. This downward trend is influenced by a combination of factors, including habitat degradation, disease, parasites, and predation. Local populations show varied performance, with some areas like Teton County experiencing declines, while others, such as parts of Sublette County and southeastern Wyoming, have remained relatively stable or even increased.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department implements conservation and management strategies to support moose populations. These efforts include reducing hunting tag numbers and adjusting hunting seasons to allow for population recovery. Research projects evaluate population performance, habitat conditions, nutritional health, and survival rates. Moose are classified as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Wyoming, and management focuses on maintaining healthy herds with specific objectives for population trends and harvest indices.