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Moose are the largest and (arguably) the most iconic of the deer family. They range throughout northern climes - Scandinavia, Siberia, Alaska, Canada, and parts of the contiguous northern states. While the best place to see moose in the Lower 48 is perhaps in Yellowstone National Park, they can also be seen in the northern New England region.
Next time visiting Maine or New Hampshire, consider going on a Moose tour. Another great place to see moose and the predator and prey relationship is the unusual Isle Royale National Park in Lake Superior. It is the largest freshwater island in Lake Superior and is home to both moose and wolves.
What To Know About Moose - The World's Largest Deer
As the largest of the deer family, Moose weigh in excess of 1,000 pounds (or 450 kg) and stand 6 feet tall at the shoulder. Males can be easily distinguished from females by their antlers. Their large size and insulating fur mean they can only live in cold climates. Their preferred habitat is forested areas with streams and ponds.
- North American Range: Throughout Canada, Alaska, and Across Northern USA
- Mating Season: Autumn
- Lifespan: 10 to 12 Years Typically (Can Be More Than 20 Years)
Curiously, the word "moose" is an Algonquin term meaning "eater of twigs." As they are so tall, they have difficulty bending down to eat grass and so prefer to eat leaves, barks, and twigs.
After the mating season in the autumn, the bulls drop their antlers and regrow them the next spring.
- Fun Fact: Don't Try To Outrun A Moose - Top Speed Over 35 MPH
Unfortunately, warming temperatures are negatively impacting moose with overheating, disease, and tick infestation. According to The National Wildlife Federation, the population in New Hampshire has dropped from 7,500 to 4,000.
Maine Moose Canoe Tours
Northeast Whitewater is one company that offers Moose tours in Maine. They have a selection of tours to choose from - private van tours, photography tours, canoe tours, and more.
They have Registered Maine Guides who take guests on private moose tours and wildlife safaris. Their moose-watching tours run in the morning and evening (when wildlife - including Moose - are the most active).
Drive through the Moosehead Lake Region into the remote Maine woods poods where moose go to feed (including other wildlife) and then take a Moose Canoe Tour. In this region, North Maine Woods, moose are thought to outnumber people 3 to 1.
- Duration: 3.5 to 4 Hours
On the canoe tour, visitors will experience canoeing in a picturesque and pristine setting. The canoes allow people to get to remote spots to see where the moose are feeding in the shallow ponds. As one glides over the waters, listen and hear the moose slurping and chomping on the pond weeds.
Private Canoe Tour:
Cost: $349.00 (1-2 Participants $29 For Each Additional Person)
Group Van Tour:
- Cost: $67.00
- Morning: 6.00 am
- Evening: 3.00 pm, 4.00 pm, 5.00 pm
- Season: May 1 to October 9
When you choose our evening moose watching tour, most evening moose canoe tours end with a spectacular sunset overlooking Moosehead Lake. Or enjoy the serenity and beauty of the Moosehead Lake area before most visitors awake. See the sunrise as you depart to the Maine woods ponds for a leisurely canoe paddle on our morning moose canoe tours.
Maine Moose Land Tours By Van
For those who would like to go on a Moose safari by land, consider their van-based moose-watching tours. These tours go out into remote areas of the North Woods in search of the moose hideaways. Their van tours are designed to cover most terrain, which increases moose sightings.
Experience the peace and beauty of the rugged Maine woods through the back roads that one can't drive with their normal car.
Private Van Tour:
- Cost: $319.00 (1-2 Participants $29 For Each Additional Person)
Group Van Tour:
- Cost: $57.00
- Morning: 6.00 am
- Evening: 3.00 pm, 4.00 pm, 5.00 pm
- Season: May 1 to October 9
The tours are held in the early hours of the morning or during the evening when moose are active and moving away from the bogs and wood lots to feed.