Wyoming is home to a robust population of moose, offering opportunities to observe these large mammals in their natural environments.
Where Moose Thrive
Moose are predominantly found in the mountain ranges of northwestern and western Wyoming, including the Bighorn, Snowy Range, and Sierra Madre Mountains. Their preferred habitats include high-elevation forests, riparian areas, and dense willow thickets, which provide essential food, water, and cover.
Areas such as Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, the Bridger-Teton National Forest, and the Wind River Range are known for moose presence. Within Grand Teton, locations like Oxbow Bend, Willow Flats, and Moose-Wilson Road are particularly notable for sightings. The Sublette herd, the largest in Wyoming, winters in the willow-dominated floodplains of the Green River Basin and the Hoback Basin. Moose also inhabit the Medicine Bow National Forest and Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge.
Understanding Wyoming’s Moose
The moose found in Wyoming is the Shiras moose, which is the smallest of the North American moose subspecies. These are the largest members of the deer family, characterized by their dark brown coloration, long legs, and a distinctive bulbous muzzle. Males, known as bulls, can weigh up to 816 pounds and develop large, palmate antlers annually. Females, or cows, typically weigh up to 750 pounds and do not have antlers.
Moose are browsers, consuming leaves, twigs, and bark from trees and shrubs rather than grazing on grasses. Willow is a significant part of their diet, accounting for approximately 60% in winter and up to 90% in summer. They also consume subalpine fir, bitterbrush, serviceberry, and aquatic vegetation, with an adult moose capable of eating 40 to 70 pounds of food per day. Moose are generally solitary animals, congregating primarily during the autumn mating season. They are also proficient swimmers and can dive underwater to feed on aquatic plants.
Responsible Moose Watching
Observing moose requires a respectful approach for human and animal safety. Early morning and late evening hours, around dawn and dusk, are often the best times for viewing moose when they are most active. Autumn, during the rut, and spring, when calves are present, can also be favorable seasons for sightings.
It is important to maintain a safe distance from moose, generally at least 25 yards, and never approach them. Moose can be unpredictable, especially cows with calves, and may react defensively if they feel threatened. Using binoculars or a telephoto lens allows for close observation without disturbing their natural behavior. Observers should avoid making loud noises or sudden movements that could startle the animals.
Management and Outlook
Moose populations in Wyoming are monitored by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD), which classifies them as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need. Historically, statewide moose populations were estimated at 12,000-13,000 in the early 1990s, but have seen declines, with recent estimates around 3,000-4,000 individuals. Some local populations, such as those in Teton County, have experienced significant reductions, while others, like the Sublette County herd and those in the Bighorns and Snowy Range, have remained relatively stable or shown increases.
Factors influencing moose populations include habitat conditions, such as the availability and health of willow and aspen stands, which can be affected by overuse. Disease, including kidney disease and parasitic brain worms, and predation from wolves and bears also play roles in population dynamics. Despite challenges, WGFD actively manages moose herds through monitoring and habitat enhancement efforts. The presence of healthy calf-to-cow ratios in some areas suggests potential for population stability or recovery.