Moose

Moose

Alces alces

Status

Native to Labrador. Introduced to Gander Bay, NF in 1878 and to Howley, NF in 1904.

Habitat

Moose are found on the wooded hillsides of the rocky western mountain ranges, along the margins of ponds, lakes and rivers of the boreal forest, swamps, bogs and also on the northern tundra. They also can be found in fresh water feeding.

Range

Moose extend from the Alaska boundary all across Canada to the eastern tip of Newfoundland.

Food

During the winter it feeds on twigs and shrubs - about (18 - 22 kg) (40 to 50 pounds) a day. In the summer moose eat many types of leaves of trees and shrubs such as birch and maple. They also feeds on water plants consuming a total of (22 - 27 kg) (50 to 60 lbs.) a day

Predators/Threats

Black and grizzly bears are the main predators. Wolves kill them in winter when the snow is deep to their advantage or on ponds and lakes where it is easy for the moose to slip and fall. Wolverines and cougars are also known to kill calves. On the Island of Newfoundland, moose is an important game animal, with approximately 22,000 being harvested yearly.

Lifespan

Moose can live 20 years or more in the wild.

Appearance

Males have palmate flat antlers with small prongs projecting. The front legs are longer than the back giving the moose a humped appearance. It has a short and stubby hairy tail, short neck, long nose, and ears like a mule. Under the throat hangs a pendant of fur about a foot long called a bell. In color the moose is dark brown to reddish brown with greyish white legs.

Breeding Biology

Moose often take more than one mate, but the bull usually stays with a given cow during most of the breeding season which begins in mid September.

Average Weight/Measurements

On average an adult moose stands (1.5 - 1.8 m)(5 to 6 feet) high. Males weigh (850 to 1180 lbs.)(385 - 534 kg) and females (600 to 800 lbs)(270 - 362 kg).

Notes:

An important big game animal for meat and trophies.
Moose can swim as fast as two men paddling a canoe and run up to 56 kmph on land.
In North America the moose is the largest member of the deer family
Four animals were introduced to Newfoundland (Howley) in 1904 from New Brunswick.
In 1930 Newfoundland had its first hunting season for moose.

At Salmonier Nature Park

Animals on display at Salmonier Nature Park are orphaned young that have been hand-raised and are unsuitable for release to the wild.
Salmonier Nature Park provides reputable Canadian zoos with similar animals.
Moose also occur in the wild in the back section of the Park.

Environment and Conservation