Moose are widely present across the Canadian landscape, representing an important part of the country’s ecology and cultural heritage. The animal is often seen as a symbol of the northern wilderness. Its presence plays a significant role in the forest ecosystem, influencing vegetation growth through its browsing habits.
Where Moose Live Across Canada
Moose inhabit a vast area of the country, extending from the boreal forests of the Yukon and British Columbia eastward to Newfoundland and Labrador, and south into the Maritimes. The species is found in every Canadian province and territory, with the notable exception of Prince Edward Island. This broad distribution is tied to the moose’s preference for specific habitat types, primarily the boreal and mixed deciduous forests. They seek out areas that provide a mix of cover and abundant forage, such as wetlands, shorelines of lakes, and young growth areas that emerge after a forest fire or logging operation. Their massive body size and dark, insulating coat make them highly adapted to cold climates, but warmer temperatures can cause heat stress, leading moose to seek shelter rather than forage.
Population Estimates and Conservation Management
Canada holds the largest moose population globally, with an estimated total figure of approximately 830,000 individuals. This national stability masks significant regional population declines, particularly at the southern edge of their range in provinces like Ontario and parts of British Columbia. For instance, British Columbia’s population is estimated to range between 157,000 and 190,000 animals, while Alberta’s numbers were estimated at 115,000 in 2014. Provincial and territorial governments manage these populations through regulated harvest quotas, habitat management, and extensive research efforts. Declines are often linked to increasing parasite loads, such as the winter tick, whose populations are boosted by shorter, warmer winters, and brainworm, which is carried by white-tailed deer expanding northward.
The Physical Characteristics of Canadian Moose
The moose is the largest member of the deer family (Cervidae), with adult males, or bulls, standing up to 2.1 meters (7 feet) tall at the shoulder and weighing between 450 and 750 kilograms. The long legs and pronounced shoulder hump help them navigate deep snow and dense brush. Only the bulls grow antlers, which are shed annually and can span up to 1.8 meters (six feet) across; these palmate structures are used for display during the autumn rutting season. The moose is a browser, with a summer diet of leaves, bark, and aquatic plants, shifting to the new growth and twigs of deciduous trees in winter. Four subspecies are recognized in Canada: the Alaska/Yukon moose, the Western Canada moose (A. a. andersoni), the Eastern Canada moose (A. a. americana), and the Shiras moose (A. a. shirasi).
Moose and Human Interactions
Sharing the landscape with moose presents unique challenges, with public safety being a primary concern due to the high risk of vehicle collisions. The animal’s immense size and height mean that in a collision, the legs are often struck by the bumper, causing the heavy body to fall directly onto the vehicle’s windshield, which poses a serious threat of injury or death to the occupants. Roadside salt used for winter maintenance acts as a strong attractant, drawing moose to highways, particularly between November and February when most collisions occur. Drivers can mitigate this risk by reducing speed, especially at dawn and dusk when moose are most active, and by being aware of roadside signs indicating high-risk zones. Beyond safety, moose have significant economic and cultural importance, supporting regulated hunting, serving as a traditional food source for Indigenous communities, and fueling a sizable tourism industry.