Moose

Cow and calf moose in Washington Creek

NPS

Moose (Alces alces) first arrived on Isle Royale in the early 1900s. Since that time, moose have become one of the iconic mammals of Isle Royale National Park.

Characteristics

The largest member of the deer family, the average moose stands at a height of over six-feet tall at the shoulder and weighs nearly 1,000 pounds, making them the largest animal on the island. Their large body mass and dark brown coat help them retain heat from the sun, and their long legs help them walk through deep snow. Such characteristics make moose well adapted to survive the cold island winters but makes the summer heat difficult to tolerate.

Moose Population

The moose population of Isle Royale has fluctuated over the years. Since 1980, the population has been as low as 500 animals and as high as 2,400. The fluctuation of population is directly connected to the vegetation and predators of the island. Higher numbers of moose on the finite land mass lead to over-browsing of island vegetation, which leads to population decrease due to winter starvation. The only island moose predator is the gray wolf. The fluctuation of wolf numbers impact the overall moose population.

 

A graph showing the relationship between the number of wolves and moose on Isle Royale since 1980.

NPS

Wolf & Moose Population

The prey to predator relationship of Isle Royale's moose and wolves has a direct effect on both species' populations. Wolves help stabilize the moose herd by preying on the old, young, and ill, while strong moose numbers allow for stable winter hunting for the wolves. Check out the correlation between wolf and moose populations of Isle Royale since 1980.

Where Are The Moose?

Isle Royale moose can be found throughout the island. In the summer, it is common to see them feeding in inland lakes and beaver ponds. This helps them stay cool, plus they like to eat the aquatic plants that grow beneath the surface. If not in water, they tend to stay in the cool shaded forests and bogs, especially during the hottest parts of the day. They are most active during dawn and dusk.

Notable moose sighting areas on the island:

• Washington Creek in Windigo

• Ojibway Lake

• Feldtmann Lake

• Hidden Lake in Tobin Harbor

 

Bull moose in rut

NPS/Kelly Morrissey

Breeding

Male moose (bulls) are distinguishable from female moose (cows) by a flap of skin beneath the throat, called a bell. Males also grow large, wide antlers throughout the summer months, then shed the velvet covering by mid-September to be ready for mating season, or the rut. It continues through October, during which time bull moose use their antlers to fight each other and gain the right to breed with cows. Cows typically give birth to a single calf in late spring, although twins are fairly common in areas of good habitat.

Safe Moose Viewing

Moose are large and potentially dangerous animals. Here are some guidelines for safe viewing.

• Make sure to maintain a safe distance and when in doubt, move farther away.

• If you unexpectedly come upon a moose, back away slowly and get behind a tree or rock so you are not visible.

• Watch closely for signs of agitation; if the ears go back, the moose looks directly at you, or the hair on the back of the neck stands up.

• Cows that are rearing young calves are protective. Never get between a cow and her calf.

• Bulls in autumn and fall are in rut and often aggressive. Give them more distance during September and October.

 

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  Wolf Relocation Updates

  Check on the status of the on-going Isle Royale wolf relocation program.

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  Wolves

  Wolves have been the apex predator on Isle Royale since 1948.

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  Isle Royale Moose Photographs

  Two bull moose lock antlers during fall rut.