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 During the
rut, in late September and early
October, bulls become
unpredictable and dangerous. At
this time, both sexes call to
each other. Cows emit a
wail-like bawl while bulls
respond with a heavy grunt-like
noise that can be heard up to
half a kilometer away. Moose
often form temporary
associations ranging in size
from male and female pairs to
several adults. Bulls are
polygamous and may seek out more
than one cow to breed with. The
cows are receptive for 7 to 12
days, but experience true oestrus for only about 24 hours.
If breeding does not take place
immediately, successive oestrus
cycles may occur at 20 to 30 day
intervals.
Serious fighting between bulls
erupts occasionally. It often
starts by one pushing the
antlers of the other for six to
eight steps, then the other will
plant its feet and push back.
Such activity may be
interspersed with jerky grazing
motions, and continue for hours.
Serious fighting may result in
death or locking of the antlers.
If the animals cannot break
loose, they eventually die of
exhaustion and starvation.
In late May or early June, the
cow moose seeks out a secluded
location, often on an island or
peninsula, to give birth. A
single calf is usually produced
by young cows, while mature
animals often have twins, and
triplets occasionally occur. The
calf or calves from the previous
year may still be with the cow
when the young are born, but she
will reject them in order to be
alone with her new calves. Cows
give birth lying down and often
nurse while still on the ground.
The cow thoroughly licks the
calf at birth and this becomes a
ritual activity, reinforcing the
maternal bond.
The new calf is totally helpless
and is kept isolated and
carefully guarded for a few
days. If the calf is frightened,
it will fall to the ground and
lie absolutely silent until the
danger passes. The protective
instincts of the cow are strong,
and she will often charge at
perceived threats such as a bull
moose, humans, and bears, by
rushing forward and striking at
them with both front feet.
A newborn calf has a
reddish-brown coat, long legs
and ears, and a short muzzle. By
the time it is a week old, it
can run faster than a man and
swim short distances. Young
calves are frisky and playful,
and do not develop a fear of
humans until they are older. At
about two months they begin to
lose their baby appearance, and
the characteristic long muzzle
begins to develop. The pelage
changes to a longer, dark
grey-brown coat as winter
advances.
The moose grows more quickly
than most animals as a result of
the high fat content of the
mother's milk. A calf weighs an
average of 14 kg at birth and
gains 0.05 to 0.09 kg daily in
its first month. By the second
month it starts gaining over 1
kg per day. By six months of age
the moose can weigh nearly 200
kg. The rapid weight gain is
facilitated by nursing which
continues until fall, and
foraging which begins at two
weeks of age.
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