 Welcome to The Alaska Moose
Federation!
BEHAVIOR
Senses:
A moose can hear, see and smell
a level above an average person.
In order to see better, they
search while moving the head up
and down (like a horse). A moose
usually relies on its hearing
and smell capabilities which are
more accurate than its sight.
Color:
Moose calves are born without
spots which are common in other
members of the deer family. This
color is vital to help
camouflage the calf and match it
with the color of bare ground.
Adults color fluctuates between
brown tones and almost black
depending on a moose’s genetics.
Typically bulls have more near
black tones while cows have
lighter ones.
Hair:
Cow moose that are
agitated will raise not only the
guard hair on the back of the
neck but also hair along the
spin, rump and flanks. An
aggressive posture with raised
hair is a definite sign of ‘keep
away!’
Eyes:
Moose can simultaneously
or independently move their
eyes. This is a normal activity
for moose.
Ears:
Each ear can move independently
with almost 360° around and more
than 90° perpendicular to the
moose’s body. A bull’s antlers
can actually help him hear. They
have proven that the horns act
as an antenna allowing bulls to
be able to pinpoint the sources
of sounds.
Head
Posture: What posture is
a moose making? If it is
approaching with its head
sideways, this is a sign of a
submissive moose. If its head is
down with its ears back, watch
out! You have an agitated moose
on your hands.
Flehmen:
Ever seen a bull curl its lip?
This is a very dramatic gesture
by bulls to increase nasal
organs.
Antlers:
Antlers play a major part
in a bull’s identity. Obviously
the sheer size of large antlers
are a visual indicator of a
bull's status. Later in the fall
when the antlers are almost
white, they can reflect light
for long distances adding to
their already impressive
structure. Bulls also use their
antlers to communicate message
to other bulls as well as cows.
Depending on the tilting,
swaying or height of the antlers
being displayed to other moose
translate messages from
submission to gestures of
imminent threat.
Rest:
Moose can rest while both
standing or laying down. When a
moose is laying down it is
called ‘bedding’. Although the
moose is resting or sleeping,
its ears are constantly on
alert. Bulls prefer sleeping on
their side with one antler
resting on the ground. If moose
feel secure in their resting
location, they actually will
have beds they sleep in. The
beds placed used in the summer
months will be in areas where
wind can help keep insects down.
In summer months, moose prefer
soft, powder snow beneath large
pine trees.
Walking:
Moose walking is called their
gait. Moose typically walk
slowly unless pressured. Moose
otherwise gallop or trot if they
need to move quick. Calves and
young moose are often seen with
hyperactive behavior typically
around their mothers. A moose’s
long legs are designed for deep
snow. A fast galloping moose
have been observed running as
fast as 35 miles per hour. Moose
typically do not like to jump. A
moose’s gait can once again be
all together different with the
swaying of its forelegs if it is
making a serious threat.
Swimming:
Moose are very powerful swimmers
among the deer family. Only a
moose’s head and part of the
neck are above water. Some moose
have been seen swimming
distances over 12 miles. From
feeding on aquatic foods,
keeping cool in the summer or
their ease in moving through it.
Moose love water! They are even
known to dive underwater
completely to reach plants.
Communication: Moose can
actually communicate at levels
so low we can’t even hear them.
They make many different sounds
depending on the message they
are trying to get across. Bulls
and cows typically have their
own sounds with very few that
are common between them. Moose’s
calls are categorized as
squeaks, smacks, seeking calls,
distress calls, snorting,
gnashing, hiccups and even
roars. The more secure moose
feel, the more often they talk
to each other. |
