Maine is home to the largest moose population across the contiguous United States. These animals thrive across the extensive forestland that covers much of Maine. For many travelers, spotting a moose is the pinnacle of a visit.
Population Status and Density
The Maine moose herd is estimated to number between 60,000 and 70,000 animals, making it the most concentrated population in the lower 48 states. This population size is considered stable across the animal’s core range, though it has seen fluctuations from a peak estimate of 76,000 in 2012. The state manages the population through a regulated hunting season, a strategy that aims to maintain balance with the available habitat and reduce conflicts with humans.
A significant biological challenge influencing the herd’s density and health is the winter tick. These ticks aggregate on a single moose, causing severe hair loss, anemia, and exhaustion. This primarily leads to high mortality rates in calves during their first winter. In some intensively studied areas, calf mortality due to winter ticks has reached over 85% in recent years.
State wildlife biologists are currently conducting an Adaptive Management study in sections of the core range, such as Wildlife Management District 4. This study involves reducing localized moose density in specific areas to determine if a lower host-to-tick ratio can effectively break the winter tick life cycle. The long-term management goal is to foster a healthier moose population with higher reproductive success and lower parasite burdens.
Key Habitats and Geographic Distribution
Moose are concentrated overwhelmingly in the northern two-thirds of the state, where the human population is sparse and the landscape remains heavily forested. The highest densities are found in the North Woods, which encompasses the vast commercial forests and remote areas of Aroostook, Piscataquis, and Somerset counties. The Western Mountains and Lakes region also supports a robust moose population due to its extensive undeveloped areas.
The ideal moose habitat is characterized by a mix of mature forest for cover and young, regenerating forest stands, which provide the woody browse they feed on. Commercial harvesting of trees ensures a continuous supply of young shoots and shrubs. Access to water is also required, as moose frequently use wetlands, bogs, and ponds to feed on sodium-rich aquatic plants and seek relief from summer heat and biting insects.
Moose are absent from the densely populated southern and coastal regions of Maine, which lack the expansive, remote habitat they require. Their distribution is directly tied to the availability of cold weather zones and the specific vegetation needed to sustain their large body mass. The combination of abundant water sources and a steady supply of browse makes the northern interior the center of the state’s moose range.
Viewing Moose in Maine
The most effective strategy for observing moose involves timing your visit to coincide with their most active hours. Moose are crepuscular, meaning they are most likely to be seen at dawn and dusk when they are actively feeding. The best seasons for viewing are late spring through early summer, when they frequent water bodies, and the fall, during the breeding season known as the rut.
Several areas are known for a high probability of sightings, including Baxter State Park and the expansive Moosehead Lake region. Specific routes often yield success, such as Route 201, which travels through the Kennebec Valley, and portions of Route 27 near Carrabassett Valley. The remote Golden Road, which runs west from Millinocket, is another location where moose are frequently spotted along the roadside and in adjacent clear-cuts.
When attempting to view moose, observers must prioritize safety and maintain a respectful distance, particularly with cows that have calves or bulls during the rut. Moose can be unpredictable and their massive size makes them dangerous if they feel threatened. Motorists should exercise extreme caution, especially at night, as these dark-colored animals pose a serious collision hazard when they emerge from the tree line or appear on roads to lick up salt runoff.