Montana Wildlife - Shiras Moose

Montana Wildlife - Shiras Moose     

Moose, in my opinion, are so ugly they are almost beautiful and for those of you who have seen this long-legged, gangly creature know exactly what I mean. Although they are not as regal as elk, elusive as deer or nearly as interesting political fodder as wolves or Yellowstone bison, moose are a specific and important portion of the Montana ecosystem.  First noted on the Lewis and Clark Expedition in May of 1805 near the Milk River of Montana, moose are the largest of the deer family and the largest antlered animal in the world.  Shiras moose, also know as Wyoming moose are the smallest of the moose sub-species.  They can easily reach weights upwards of 1200 pounds with larger males (bulls) tipping the scales at over 1500 pounds.  Cows are generally smaller with weights averaging 600 to 800 pounds. 

Shiras bulls grow palmated antlers that can be sixty inches or larger in width and weigh upwards of fifty pounds.  Palmated refers to the flat portion of growth, moose are the only species native to North America besides caribou, which to a lesser extent, exhibits this characteristic.  Both sexes have a “bell” which is a flap of skin and long hairs that hangs from the throat.  They stand up to seven and half feet at the shoulders and have been known to be able to swim at speeds of up to six miles per hour for many miles in addition to completely submerging while looking for food for over one minute.  In addition to grazing plant communities that reside in forested areas, they obtain the majority of their food from aquatic and marsh plants, and also eat bark and leaves from trees like willow and poplar 

The breeding season for Shiras moose is late September and early October.  Where the moose population is low both sexes travel extensively looking for mates, in higher density areas both sexes will form breeding groups where bulls will actively compete (fight) for cows.  Cows are usually able to bear offspring at two and a half years of age, and like other deer species, twins are not uncommon.

Moose are active throughout the day although their activity peaks during morning and evening hours.  Moose have very poor eyesight and rely on hearing and sense of smell to establish possible threats in their surroundings.  Moose are not normally aggressive; however factors such as hunger, stress, and harassment (humans, dogs, traffic) may bring about changes in behavior.  Bull moose are often more aggressive towards human contact during the mating season, and cows with young calves are very protective.  Attacks can be identified before they happen by noting signs of agitation in the animal itself.  When agitated, moose will lay their ears flat against their heads and the hairs on the top of the shoulders (hump) will raise, licking of their lips is also a sign of agitation.  Charges may only be warnings, but should always be taken seriously; even calves can cause significant injuries because of their size.  When they do charge they often strike out with their front feet and unlike other animals, (bears, dogs) it is a good idea to run from moose as they often will not engage in an extended chase.