Moose Watching in New England
“If you go down to the woods today beware of a big surprise”. 
Cow moose - photo Brewster Inn, Dexter, Maine
The Moose herd of New England is growing; with estimated numbers of 2,100 in Vermont, between 5,000 to 6,000 in New Hampshire and a staggering 29,000 in Maine. An adult moose weighs in at around 1,000 pounds (450Kg), and stands 6 feet (1.8m) high at the shoulder, on rather spindly legs. The name Moose is from the Native American Algonquin language meaning “eater of twigs.” They also browse on leaves and bark but they delight in aquatic plants in the summer, and can be found in ponds and lakes, where they can get some respite from the heat of the day and moose flies. They swim well and travel between islands and across lakes easily. Moose may live up to 20 years but an average would be nearer 10 – 12 years. The breeding season extends from mid-September to mid-October, and calves are born mid-May to mid-June. The best time to see moose is at dawn or dusk.
When to see Moose – May to October.
Where to see Moose in Vermont – the Northeast Kingdom along Route 114 near the Canadian border, Route 105 near Island Pond and on Route 100 near Granville. Route 2 between St.Johnsbury and Lunenburg.
Where to see Moose in New Hampshire – In the Great North Woods, “Moose Alley” is along Route 3 between Pittsburg and the Canadian border; Route 16 north of Milan to the Maine border; Route 26 east of Dixville Notch to the Maine Border; Route 112 the Kancamagus Highway from Lincoln east to Bear Notch Road; Route 110 north of Berlin to Route 110A.
Where to see Moose in Maine – In the Maine Highlands area around Moosehead Lake, the Western Lakes and Mountains area between Sebago Lake and the Rangeley Lakes, The Forks and Jackman in the Kennebec & Moose River Valley and Aroostook County.
Moose Tours, Gorham, NH
Organised Moose watching trips – The best way to see Moose is with an organised Moose tour. Several years ago whilst staying at the Birches Resort near Rockwood, Maine on the shore of Moosehead Lake, I went on a “Moose Cruise.” This was a 7.00am start and we sped up the lake on a pontoon boat into an area of heavily wooded coves and little islands. We puttered around exploring for about ¾ of an hour and then we sighted a cow moose swimming between an island and the shore, she made it to dry land and wandered off into the wilderness. It was a great trip rounded off with a very welcome cooked breakfast on our return.
There are specialist moose tours in all 3 states, some are state registered guides. They are a fund of local knowledge and know where to find moose and other local wildlife.
Driving in Moose areas - Every year at least 700 moose are killed on New England roads following collisions with vehicles, some drivers and passengers are killed or injured. Accidents involving moose can occur anywhere in Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Moose are hard to see at night and your headlights will often only reveal their legs, which are the same colour as the road surface. Their height also means that the bulk of a moose will fall on your windshield and roof.
Here are some tips for avoiding collisions with Moose.
- Most collisions happen at dawn or dusk, but they can happen at any time of the day. Stay alert!.
- Collisions occur statewide and on all types of roads, from highways to backroads.
- Try not to drive faster than 55MPH. There is a strong correlation between speed and the severity of the accident.
- Wear your seatbelt.
- Scan the sides of the roads for movements.
- Use high beams whenever possible.
- Don’t count on moose stopping when they see you. They are very unpredictable. Stop the car iof necessary and wait.
- Be particularly attentive and drive slowly where moose crossing signs are posted. But remember moose cross the road wherever they like!
(Extract from NH Fish & Game Department)
