Wisconsin Moose

Excerpted from: Moose

Moose are native to the state and were once common in northern and central Wisconsin, but their population declined due to overhunting and habitat loss.

Moose once occurred across the northern third or half of Wisconsin in the mixed conifer-hardwoods forest. They were fairly common in these areas until the mid or late 1800s, but by the early 1900s were no longer found anywhere in the state.

The moose population declined due to over-hunting and habitat loss.

In recent years, the population has been slowly recovering, and there are now estimated to be very low numbers in the state.

  Description

Moose are the largest members of the deer family, standing six feet tall from hoof to shoulder, and weighing in at more than 1,600 pounds. Each of their light to dark brown hairs is hollow, and the air trapped inside provides insulation. A flap of skin called a dewlap hangs from the throat. Males are distinguished from females by their antlers, which grow up to 6 feet across.

Long legs allow adult moose to handle snow depths of 36 inches. Muscular shoulders make the moose appear humped and they have a characteristic "bell" of skin known as the dewlap which hangs from their neck. Moose are sexually dimorphic, bulls weigh between 850-1600 pounds and the smaller female (cow) weighs around 600-800 lbs.

  Diet

Moose are herbivores. The word moose is an Algonquin term meaning eater of twigs. Moose are so tall that they have difficulty bending down to eat grasses, so they prefer to feed on leaves, bark, and twigs from trees and shrubs. Their favorite foods come from native willow, aspen, and balsam fir trees. They also munch on aquatic plants from streams and ponds.

  Habitat

Moose are typically associated with boreal forests throughout North America. Boreal forests consist of pines, spruces and larch trees. Moose habitat also includes open tundra where conifers such as dwarf birch, alder and willows grow surrounded by lakes, bogs and streams. Moose prefer regions where the average annual temperature is not above 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

  Behavior

Moose are mostly diurnal animals, they are active during the daytime but more often seen at dawn and dusk.

They are generally solitary with the strongest bonds being between mother and calf. Two individuals can sometimes be found feeding along the same stream.

The males are polygamous and will seek several females to breed with. Groups or herds are generally seen during breeding season and may only contain two adults.

Moose are mostly diurnal animals meaning they are active in the daytime but are most often seen during dawn or dusk.

Moose are generally solitary with the strongest bonds being between mother and calf. Two individuals can sometimes be found feeding along the same stream.

The males are polygamous and will seek several females to breed with. Groups or herds are generally seen during breeding season and may only contain two adults.

A moose can run 35 miles per hour and can easily swim 10 miles. Moose will lie in shallow water to get away from biting insects or to cool off. Their tails are too short to swish the flies away. Moose are able to kick out in all directions, however, they generally use their front feet to defend themselves.

Moose have poor eyesight and rely on their keen sense of smell. Often, while they are eating, moose will just suddenly stop and listen to see if they can hear any threats.

Test your knowledge, try the: Moose Quiz

  Reproduction

Moose breeding season occurs in September and October. During this time both male and female moose will call to each other. Males produce heavy grunting sounds that can be heard from up to 500 meters away while females produce a wail-like sound.

Males will fight for access to females. The larger moose generally wins and the smaller moose retreats. They may engage in battles that can turn quite violent.

Female moose have an 8 month gestation period. Most litters consist of a single calf, however, twins are not uncommon. The young are unable to walk for a few days. By the time they are 2 weeks old they are able to walk about with their mother and search for food.

By autumn, the calves stop suckling their mother's milk. The calves stay with the mother for about a year, until she is ready to give birth to new calves.

  Population

Moose can be found in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and in the northern part of the state, including areas near Lake Superior. However, their population is still considered small and a rare species in the state.

  Hunting

Yes, you can hunt moose in Wisconsin. The moose hunting season typically runs from mid-September to early November. You’ll need to purchase a moose hunting license, which you can do online or at a DNR service center.

There are a few things to consider before heading out on a moose hunt, however. First, moose are large animals and can be dangerous, so it is important to be prepared and have a plan. Second, moose hunting is regulated by the state, and there are specific seasons and limits. Finally, moose are elusive animals, and it can be difficult to find them. With a little planning and preparation,