Moose are iconic North American mammals known for their imposing size. Adult moose can stand over six feet tall at the shoulder and weigh more than 1,000 pounds. Male moose, called bulls, grow impressive antlers that can span up to six feet across, which they shed and regrow annually. They prefer environments characterized by cold climates, dense forests, and abundant wetlands.
US States Home to Moose
Moose populations are present across 19 states in the United States, with significant variations in their numbers and distribution. Alaska holds the largest moose population in the U.S., estimated to be between 175,000 and 200,000 animals, widely distributed throughout the state.
In the contiguous United States, Maine boasts the highest moose population, with estimates ranging from 60,000 to 70,000 animals. New Hampshire and Vermont also host moose, though their populations have faced declines, with New Hampshire seeing over a 40% reduction since 2014 and Vermont over 50% since 2005. Massachusetts maintains a smaller but established population, with approximately 1,000 moose found mainly in its central and western regions. New York’s moose population, estimated around 600, is primarily located in the northeastern areas, particularly near the Adirondack Mountains.
Further west, Minnesota’s moose population has experienced a significant decline of 58% between 2006 and 2017. Michigan supports moose mainly in its Upper Peninsula, with a reintroduced population in the western part of the region now exceeding 400 animals, a project that began in the 1980s. Wisconsin also has a smaller moose presence.
In the western U.S., Montana has an estimated 2,300 moose, primarily in forested areas of the western parts of the state like the Cabinet Mountains. Idaho’s population is estimated at around 10,000 moose. Wyoming has approximately 3,500 moose.
Colorado’s moose population originated from reintroductions and has since expanded. Utah supports one of the largest naturally occurring southernmost moose populations, estimated between 2,500 and 3,000 animals, mostly in the northern and northeastern mountain ranges. Washington’s population is estimated at about 5,000 animals. Nevada, North Dakota, and Oregon also have established, albeit smaller, moose populations.
Where Moose Thrive
Moose require specific environmental conditions to flourish, primarily inhabiting circumpolar boreal forests and temperate broadleaf and mixed forests. These animals are well-adapted to cold climates due to their thick skin and dense, heat-retaining coats. However, they have poor heat tolerance, leading them to seek shade, cooling winds, or immerse themselves in water during hot weather. This preference for cooler temperatures often limits their range to northern regions and higher altitudes.
Ideal moose habitat includes a mosaic of young forest, openings, swamps, lakes, and wetlands. They rely on areas with abundant water sources for foraging, consuming sodium-rich aquatic plants, leaves, twigs, and bark from trees like willow, birch, aspen, and balsam fir. Disturbances such as fires or logging can create excellent moose habitat by promoting new plant growth that serves as food. Moose often migrate between different seasonal habitats, using sub-alpine shrublands in early winter and river valleys with deciduous forest cover or alpine terrain in late winter. They also seek out areas with adequate cover from predators and protection from extreme weather.