Overview
Slightly smaller than the western Canada moose, with significantly smaller antlers, and a darker, blackish-brown coloration and reduced saddle area.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Artiodactyla
- Family
- Cervidae
- Genus
- Alces
- Species
- Alces alces
Habitat
More heavily timbered terrain than the other races. Distribution- Canada, Eastern Ontario, Quebec, Newfoundland Island, and the maritime provinces. For record-keeping purposes, we have drawn the boundary between eastern and western Canada moose as a straight line across Ontario from Nipigon, at the northwest corner of Nipigon Bay on the north shore of Lake Superior, to Fort Albany, on the southwest shore of James Bay. The moose on Newfoundland Island were actually introduced from Nova Scotia (1878, 1904); however, we treat them as indigenous in record-keeping, United States, Maine, plus a few in other northeastern states.
Diet
A browser, depending on woody vegetation-notably willow, poplar, balsam, aspen and birch-eating leaves, twigs and bark. Feeds on aquatic vegetation by wading into lakes and streams, often submerging completely to feed on the bottom.
Behavior
Solitary except when mating, or a cow with her recent offspring, living by itself in a small home range. Not territorial. Mates in September and October, with bulls displaying and fighting for dominance and taking one female at a time. Bulls can be dangerous during the rut, and unarmed humans may be at risk. Calves are born in May and June, frequently twins, though often a single and occasionally triplets. Females can breed until about 18 years of age. Maximum longevity is 27 years. Vision is poor, with stationary objects seemingly not recognized at all. Senses of smell and hearing are excellent. Active throughout the day, but with peaks at dawn and dark. Silent except during the rut, when sexes call to each other with grunts and moans. Principal predator is the wolf, with grizzly in a lesser role. As a number of wolves are required to bring down a moose, healthy adults are not often attacked; calves and sick or aged adults are preferred prey.
Hunting
Hunting is done primarily by a combination of spot and stalk methods and calling during the right times of the year. The moose can be aggressive towards humans during the breeding season, so it is wise to stay armed.
Conservation Status
Listed as Least Concern by IUCN.