Moose are the largest members of the deer family, recognized by their towering size and distinctive broad, palmate antlers in males. Standing up to six feet tall at the shoulder and weighing over 1,000 pounds, these majestic animals are iconic symbols of North America’s northern wilderness.
States with Established Moose Populations
Moose populations are established across 19 U.S. states, totaling an estimated 275,000 to 315,000 individuals. Alaska holds the largest population, with approximately 175,000 to 200,000 moose. Maine hosts the second-largest U.S. population and the most substantial in the contiguous 48 states, estimated at 60,000 to 70,000 animals, a notable increase from the early 1900s.
In the New England region, moose are present in New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts. New Hampshire’s population has seen a decline of over 40% in the last decade, from more than 7,500 to around 4,000. Vermont’s moose are most numerous in the Northeast Kingdom and along the Green Mountains, though their numbers have decreased by over 50% since 2005. Massachusetts maintains a smaller population of about 1,000 to 1,500, primarily in the central and western areas.
The Great Lakes states also support moose, including Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Minnesota’s population has experienced a significant decline, falling 58% between 2006 and 2017. Michigan’s population, largely reintroduced, is around 500 animals, predominantly found in the Upper Peninsula.
Further west, moose are found across the Rocky Mountain states. Colorado’s population, estimated at 2,500 to 3,000, grew following transplants initiated in 1978. Idaho has approximately 10,000 moose, while Montana has about 2,300, mainly in its western forested areas. Utah’s population of 2,500 to 3,000 is significant.
Wyoming has around 3,500 moose, and Washington supports about 5,000. Oregon and Nevada also report established populations. New York’s moose population, estimated at 600, is established in the northeastern Adirondack Mountains, having rebounded after disappearing in the 1860s.
Key Factors Influencing Moose Distribution
Moose thrive in cold climates. They begin to experience heat stress when summer temperatures exceed 57°F (13.9°C) or winter temperatures rise above 23°F (-5°C). This limits their geographical range, concentrating populations in cooler, northern regions.
Ideal moose habitat includes forested areas with access to streams and ponds. They require cover from predators and protection from extreme weather. During warmer periods, moose often seek relief by accessing shade or immersing themselves in cool water.
As herbivores, moose primarily browse on leaves, twigs, bark, and shoots from a variety of trees and shrubs. Preferred food sources include willow, aspen, birch, maple, and balsam fir. Aquatic plants like water lilies and pondweed are particularly important in their summer diet, providing essential sodium. Areas disturbed by logging or fire often provide abundant new plant growth, creating favorable foraging grounds.
Conservation and Population Dynamics
Moose populations in the U.S. face various challenges, including climate change, habitat shifts, and parasitic diseases. Rising temperatures contribute to heat stress, leading to weight loss, reduced pregnancy rates, and increased susceptibility to illness. When stressed, moose may reduce foraging activity, seeking shade instead of necessary nutrition.
Climate change also alters moose habitat, causing suitable areas to shift northward and reducing the availability of conifer cover. This can lead to changes in forest species composition, impacting their food sources and overall habitat quality.
Parasitic diseases pose a significant threat to moose health. Winter ticks are a major cause of mortality, especially for calves, with some areas reporting mortality rates between 70% and 90%. Infestations, sometimes involving tens of thousands of ticks per animal, lead to severe blood loss, anemia, hair loss, and substantial weight reduction. Milder winters contribute to increased tick survival rates.
Brainworm, carried by white-tailed deer, is another lethal parasite for moose. White-tailed deer are expanding their range into traditional moose habitats due to warmer temperatures and reduced snowpack, increasing the risk of brainworm transmission.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting and restoring moose habitats. In some regions, managing moose density through strategic hunting permits has been explored to reduce the impact of winter ticks. Supporting land conservation groups and implementing balanced forest management practices also help sustain these populations.