(Alces alces) MOOSE
How large is Jasper Alberta's Moose?
- Mass: 200 to 825 kg
Length: to 10 ft. (3 m) - Wildlife living area: taiga, temperate forest & rainforest
Status: no special status.
Range: Limited to the Rocky Mountains as far south as Colorado, and to the eastern states bording Canada.
These Twig Eaters Grow Fast
During fall rut and winter, Moose live almost solely on twigs and shrubs such as balsam fir, poplar, red osier dogwood, birch, willow, and red and striped maples. With their tremendous physical power, moose can travel over almost any terrain in search of food, but in Winter, Moose limit their activity to save energy. When food becomes scarce, moose will strip bark from trees for sustenance.
In summer, Moose eat leaves, some upland plants, and water plants in great quantity when available. An adult Moose eats from 15 to 20 kg of twigs each day in winter, and in summer - 25 to 30 kg of forage including leaves, twigs, shrubs, upland plants, and water plants. Moose Bulls, Cows and Calves also eat under the surface of lakes to feed on lilies and other water plants.
Even on a diet such as this, Moose calves gain weight faster than any other ungulate or big-game animal. The largest Moose recorded so far was a bull in the Yukon which weighed a whopping 1800 pounds.
Big Bull Moose pursuing Cow with Calf and an Extra Arrival during the Moose Rut
Here is our Third Big Bull Moose pursuing a cow with a calf during the Moose Rut. You can hear lots of vocalizations between the Cow and Bull in this video. Most cow moose during the rut have an estrous cycle that lasts 24-25 days, however, cows may only be receptive to bulls for a brief 15-27 hour period. Here, the Big Bull smells the urine of this cow and follows with his Flehmen Response.. which is how a Bull Moose investigates the cow's readiness to mate. This Big Bull continued to pursue the Cow, but another arrival caused them all to take a step back. The arrival of another young large Bull caused a bit of a gentle dance and lots more vocalizations, but no real conflicts as He moved off shortly after seeing the larger Bull. All of these gentle Giants looked very healthy and happy, which is wonderful to witness.
Big Bull Moose with Cow and Calf During the Rut
The second Mating Pair seen this Moose Rut, with this being the Largest Bull Moose seen in this area of the Canadian Rockies. All three looking very Healthy, this happy big Calf is possibly his as well. They spent a few days together before being seen mating and later in that evening, this big Bull decided to move on to another territory in search of another Cow.. disappearing in the forest after using this bridge to cross the river. You can hear some of the vocalizations between the Bull and Cow in this video.
Beautiful evening observing a Moose Cow feeding in Maligne Lake.
Three Healthy Bulls Entering Jasper's Moose Rut
One of Jasper's Magnificent Bull Moose in September 2018.
Gentle Giants Craving Salt and Conserving Energy in Winter
When the snow becomes deep, encounters with Moose are more rare in Canada's Rockies. Here are a few peaceful moments with some gentle giants seeking salt as well as relaxing.
Jasper National Park Bull Moose During the Rutting Season.
Moose occur over most of Alaska. Their overall range coincides with that of coniferous forest. Generally found near streams or ponds where there are willows. Also Northern Europe and Asia. - The largest member of the deer family. Adults may stand as tall as 2 1/3m high. The largest recorded antler spread is over two meters. Moose are good swimmers, able to sustain a speed of 6 miles an hour. They move swiftly on land. Some have been clocked at 35 miles an hour. Moose measure in height up to 7.5 feet.
- They generally live in forested areas where there is snow cover in the winter, and prefer moist conditions where there are lakes, ponds, and swamps.
Where does the Canadian Moose Range?
Big Bull Moose Unites with Cow and Calf - Beginning of the Moose Rut
We have just started looking for Moose Bulls uniting with Cows as the Moose Rut Begins. We hope you enjoy this short inroduction to this Years' Moose Rut with this Magnificent Bull! We expect to find lots of Bulls in pursuit of Cows during this amazing time over next few weeks in Canada's Rockies.
Moose Encounters are More Common Now
This time of year in certain locations, moose encounters are more common as the Moose Rut approaches. Here are some separate peaceful moments with a Bull and two Cows with Calves as they move along the Forest edges among one of Canada's most beautiful Valleys.
Bull Moose Become More Aggressive in September, Warming Up for Their Rutting Season
Details on moose in Jasper
A Very Healthy Bull Moose in Jasper, Alberta.
A Moose Calf Looking for it's Mother for a Short Period before Reuniting.
A Mother Moose Cow Running her Calf off During the Rut
Moose Cow Nearing the Beginning of the Rutting Season in Jasper National Park.
Healthy Moose Calf Finishing His First Winter in 2018
Moose eat twigs, bark, roots and the shoots of woody plants. In the warm months, moose feed on water plants, water lilies, pondweed, horsetails, bladderworts, and bur-reed. In winter, they browse on conifers and eat their needle-like leave. They require 20kg of food per day.
Moose tracks are 5 - 6 in. (13 - 15 cm.) long and more pointed that the similarly-sized elk's. Dew claws are evident in snow, mud, and when running.
Moose Tracks