Cow moose can be aggressive when they have calves in the spring and summer, and bull moose can be aggressive and territorial during the fall breeding season. Moose often feel threatened when people or dogs get too close, which can also make them aggressive and lead them to charge, knock someone over and stomp on them.
Social System - Relatively asocial, moose may "yard" up in small groups of up to 12-15 in winter, drawn together by advantageous snow conditions and food. During spring and summer, small groups of bulls known as satellites may form.
FAST FACTS
The flap of skin under a moose's chin is called a bell. Moose are also called rubber-nosed swamp donkeys. Moose calves can outrun a human by the time they're five days old. A moose can kick in any direction with its front hooves.
Normally, moose are not aggressive; however a moose that is stressed, a bull moose in the fall rut or a cow moose protecting her young may be easily provoked into an attack. An agitated moose may show some of the following behaviours: Neck and back hairs standing up. Ears going back against its head.
Given their propensity for napping, it's no surprise that moose are mainly crepuscular creatures. These majestic animals are most active at dawn and twilight when they feed on various plants and grasses. During the day, moose tend to laze about in the shade or nap for short bouts, especially on warm days.
Moose love to swim, and will often dive all the way under and swim for extended periods of time to stay cool on hot days.
If a moose charges you or chases you, hide behind something solid (like a tree) or try to get inside a vehicle or building. If a moose knocks you down, curl into a ball, protect your head and lie still until the moose retreats.
Good luck. Plus, moose can kick each of their four legs nearly 360 degrees, with their back legs being the strongest. So if you're within range of a kick, you're likely facing a debilitating injury, if not a fatal one.
Depending upon their experience with people, moose may not fear people. Moose will generally flee when threatened, but may become aggressive under certain circumstances, including harassment by people, dogs, traffic, or when hungry and tired, especially during winter when they may be under more stress.
Moose are not normally aggressive; however, they can become aggressive when they are harassed by people, dogs, and traffic, or when hungry and tired, especially in winter when they must walk through deep snow. Sometimes people throw snowballs at moose or approach them too closely for safety.
Though nearsighted, moose have keen senses of smell and hearing which warn them of potential danger. Despite their ungainly appearance, these large animals can run through the forest quietly at speeds up to 35 mph. Good swimmers, moose are known to swiftly move through the water for many miles.
Moose are the largest of all the deer species. Males are immediately recognizable by their huge antlers, which can spread 6 feet from end to end. Moose have long faces and muzzles that dangle over their chins. A flap of skin known as a bell sways beneath each moose's throat.
Moose Symbolism and Meaning
The moose spirit animal is often associated with strength, determination, and tenacity. It's also a symbol of good fortune and abundance. When the moose appears in your life, it's a reminder to stay grounded and focused on your goals.
All mammals, the class to which we belong, feel pain as a natural mechanism to avoid physical injury. Individuals have different pain thresholds, be they humans or dogs, deer or deer mice.
Moose are solitary animals and move independently. Two or more individuals sometimes can be found feeding along the same stream. The mother and the calf form a strong social bond.
A moose could kill a bear with a well-placed kick or by using its antlers. A bear has to chase the moose down and then take kicks while landing a bite on its neck and bringing it to the ground. That would be the most likely outcome of the fight, though.
Despite their lumbering appearance, moose can charge quickly and can run up to 35 miles per hour. You cannot outrun a moose, which is why maintaining distance is so critical. If a moose decides to charge, quickly get behind something large like a tree, a car, or a big rock to separate yourself from the animal.
Moose (Alces alces) are the largest members of the deer family, and Alaska moose are the largest of all. They may appear gangly and awkward, but these imposing creatures can run at speeds of up to 35 mph and swim at 6 mph for up to two hours.
Moose eat plants and are low on the food chain. Animals that do not eat other animals also tend to have low levels of contaminants.
“That's why moose is considered to be the most dangerous animal in Canada, with roughly 500 road accidents occurring each year as a result of moose collisions with motor vehicles.”
Moose can travel at speeds up to 35mph, and can trot steadily for 32 km in just an hour. Despite their size and weight, moose are very adept swimmers. They are able to swim for several miles and can even be totally submerged under the water for around 30 seconds.
In the summer, their rumen (the first of their 4 stomachs) can weigh 90 pounds and in the winter 112 lbs! Moose are well suited to long Alaskan winters. Scientists have not found the temperature at which a moose begins to expend energy to stay warm.
They communicate with their mother in soft grunts, but otherwise learn to be very quiet in the woods. Still, bear are their most lethal predator, along with wolves, cougars, and sometimes coyotes, and only about 30% of moose will survive their first year.