Moose do not inhabit Vancouver Island; the island does not support an established, native population of these large animals. While moose are an iconic species across much of Canada, their natural distribution never extended to this Pacific coastline island. This geographical isolation created a distinct ecosystem where other large mammals evolved to fill the available ecological roles.
Why Moose Are Not Found on Vancouver Island
The primary reason for the absence of moose is the geographical barrier presented by the Strait of Georgia and the Salish Sea. This body of water separates Vancouver Island from the mainland of British Columbia, preventing the natural migration of large ungulates. Although moose are strong swimmers, the distance and cold, turbulent waters of the strait are too formidable a barrier for colonization.
Historically, the moose’s range expanded north and east across the North American continent. The species primarily favors the boreal forests and interior plateau regions of British Columbia, which feature different habitat types than the temperate rainforests covering Vancouver Island. The island’s ecosystems developed in isolation after the last glacial period, resulting in a unique biodiversity that excludes the moose.
The Closest Mainland Moose Populations
Moose are abundant on the mainland of British Columbia, only a relatively short distance away. The province is home to an estimated 115,000 to 192,000 moose. Over 70 percent of the provincial population is found in northern British Columbia, including the central and sub-boreal interior.
Significant populations are established in the Cariboo-Chilcotin, Thompson-Okanagan, and Kootenay regions, east of the Coast Mountains. These areas provide the expansive mixed forests, numerous wetlands, and specific winter browse conditions that moose require to thrive. These mainland populations are too far removed from the coast to spontaneously cross the marine barriers to the island.
Vancouver Island’s Native Large Ungulates
In the absence of moose, the dominant large herbivores on Vancouver Island are the Roosevelt Elk and the Coastal Black-tailed Deer. The Roosevelt Elk (Cervus canadensis roosevelti) is the largest subspecies of elk found in North America. Mature bulls can weigh up to 1,100 pounds, making them the island’s most substantial ungulate species.
These elk herds occupy the forested valleys and coastal rainforests, fulfilling the ecological niche a moose might otherwise inhabit. The Coastal Black-tailed Deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus) is the other prevalent large ungulate, thriving in diverse habitats from sea level to alpine meadows. While smaller than the Roosevelt Elk, this deer is a common sight and represents a successful adaptation to the island’s unique conditions.