Moose are the largest members of the deer family, with adult males often reaching heights of six feet at the shoulder and weighing over 1,000 pounds. While these large herbivores often appear placid, they are unpredictable and can become aggressive when feeling threatened or stressed, particularly during the fall rut or when a cow is protecting a calf. In some regions, more people are injured by moose annually than by bears, underscoring the need for clear safety protocols. Understanding their body language and knowing how to react is paramount for safely navigating an encounter.
Recognizing Warning Signs of Aggression
Before a moose progresses to a full charge, it will often communicate its agitation through specific, recognizable body language cues. The clearest indication of stress is when the moose lays its ears flat back against its head, known as pinning its ears. Simultaneously, the long hair on its neck and hump (hackles) may stand erect, signaling an imminent threat response.
Other signs of frustration include the moose licking or smacking its lips or showing the whites of its eyes. If the animal begins to lower its head while walking stiff-legged toward you, it is actively displaying a confrontational posture. These signals mean you have encroached too far into its personal space and must immediately retreat.
Actions When the Moose is Approaching
If a moose stops and walks directly toward you, it is attempting to displace you from the area. Your priority is to increase distance without provoking a faster reaction. Speak to the moose in a calm, steady voice; this helps it identify you as human, not a silent predator.
Begin to back away slowly in the direction you came, maintaining visual contact without staring directly into its eyes, which can be perceived as a challenge. While a slow retreat is advised, be prepared to move quickly if the animal’s pace increases. If the moose begins to move faster or break into a trot, immediately run.
The objective is to place a substantial, fixed barrier between you and the moose quickly. A sturdy tree trunk, a large boulder, or a vehicle can serve as effective shields. Moose are less agile than they appear and prefer not to navigate complex obstacles, often stopping pursuit once the target is obscured or separated by a solid object.
Surviving a Physical Attack
If the moose launches an unavoidable charge or knocks you to the ground, the defensive strategy changes completely. Instantly drop to the ground and curl into a tight fetal position. This posture is designed to protect your head, neck, and vital organs from the powerful blows of its front hooves.
Use your arms to cover the back of your neck and head, and remain as still and passive as possible. Moose attacks are defensive; the animal’s goal is to neutralize the perceived threat, not to consume you. Remaining curled and motionless signals that you are no longer a threat.
Do not attempt to stand up or move until you are certain the moose has left the area and is a considerable distance away. Moving prematurely might renew the attack, as the moose may interpret the motion as a continuation of the threat. The moose usually breaks off the assault once it determines the intruder is subdued, allowing you to seek safety once the threat has passed.