Many wonder if majestic creatures like moose reside in states like North Dakota. This article explores the presence of moose in North Dakota, examining their habitats, population dynamics, and providing guidance for safe encounters.
Moose Presence in North Dakota
Moose are present in North Dakota. Historically native, they disappeared in the late 1800s and early 1900s, reappearing in the 1950s. A small resident population established in the Pembina Hills by the 1960s. The subspecies found in North Dakota is the Western Canada moose (Alces alces andersoni), also found in neighboring Canadian provinces and other upper Midwestern states.
Where North Dakota’s Moose Live
Moose in North Dakota are primarily found in specific regions that offer suitable habitat. Historically, their traditional range encompassed the forested areas of the Turtle Mountains and Pembina Hills along the northern edge of the state, characterized by aspen and bur oak forests, along with rivers, streams, and lakes. However, their range has expanded over recent decades into the prairie and agricultural mosaic of the state.
Moose now also inhabit forested river bottoms and tree rows across the northern third of North Dakota, stretching from areas like Walhalla to Williston. The highest densities of moose are currently found in the northwestern part of the state, including the Upper Missouri River area near Williston, and the Kenmare and Anamoose areas. They utilize planted woodlands and can be found in agricultural settings, consuming crops like sunflowers and corn, alongside their natural woody browse.
Moose Population and Conservation
North Dakota’s moose population has expanded since the 1950s, though trends vary by area. For instance, Pembina Hills numbers declined significantly, from 250 moose in 1995 to just two in 2017, due to brainworm, a parasite fatal to moose carried by white-tailed deer. Conversely, western populations have increased since the mid-2000s, where brainworm risk is lower due to a more arid climate.
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department (NDGFD) monitors populations via aerial surveys and manages them through limited hunting. Licenses are issued via a lottery, primarily for residents, with numbers fluctuating based on assessments. State laws regulate big game hunting and management.
Encountering Moose in North Dakota
Encountering a moose in North Dakota requires awareness and adherence to safety guidelines. Moose are large animals, with adult bulls weighing up to 1,300 pounds and standing over 6 feet tall at the shoulder. They are wild animals and can act unpredictably, even if they appear docile. It is important to maintain a significant distance, at least 100 yards, and never approach them.
If a moose appears agitated, indicated by raised hairs on its hump or ears laid back, it may be preparing to charge. Should a moose charge, running away or seeking cover behind a solid object like a tree or vehicle is advisable. Moose-vehicle collisions are a concern in areas with higher moose populations, particularly in the northwestern part of the state, so drivers should slow down and avoid swerving if a moose enters the road. Feeding moose or any wild animal is discouraged as it can lead to them losing their natural fear of humans and potentially becoming aggressive.