The moose (Alces alces) is the largest member of the deer family and often moves with surprising silence through the boreal forests. These solitary animals do not rely on constant vocal chatter for social cohesion, but they are capable of producing a wide spectrum of loud and distinct noises. These vocalizations and physical sounds are primarily reserved for two situations: the autumn mating season and close-range communication between individuals.
Primary Mating Calls
The loudest sounds a moose makes are reserved for the rut, or mating season. Bull moose use two main vocalizations: a low, guttural grunt and a deeper, more resonant bellow. The bull’s grunt is a short, repeated sound used to advertise his presence to cows and to signal his location as he travels through the dense forest.
The bull’s bellow is a louder, more sustained vocalization that can carry for several miles, challenging rival males and declaring dominance. This sound is often described as a low roar or a moan that sounds like a revving air raid siren. The acoustic power of this call is enhanced by the animal’s large chest cavity, allowing the deep, low-frequency sound to penetrate thick vegetation more effectively.
In contrast to the bull’s aggressive calls, the cow moose uses a long, mournful moan or wail to attract a mate and signal her receptivity. This sound is often drawn out for several seconds, sometimes ending in a high-pitched sound. A cow’s call is particularly compelling for a bull, who may be prompted to respond with his own bellows or grunts as he closes the distance.
Everyday Communication
Outside of the rutting season, moose communication becomes much quieter, focusing on close-range interactions, particularly between a mother and her calf. Cow moose use soft whines, mews, and gentle hums to communicate with their young and maintain their bond. These quiet vocalizations signal contentment and reassurance to the calf.
If a calf is distressed, hungry, or separated from its mother, it will emit high-pitched, almost human-sounding calls. Moose also possess a range of short and sharp alarm signals used to warn others of danger. These warning sounds include loud, forceful snorts or a cough-like bark, which act as a sudden alert.
Sounds from Movement and Environment
Moose also communicate through sounds resulting from their physical actions or interaction with their environment. A primary example is the loud, splintering sound of a bull raking his antlers on small trees, saplings, and brush. This action, known as thrashing or raking, is performed with force to strip bark and break branches, creating both a visual and auditory signpost for other moose.
This serves two purposes: it allows the bull to display his strength and antler size to intimidate rivals, and it helps him spread his scent from glands on his forehead onto the damaged tree. Heavy, resonant splashing is created when a moose wades or thrashes in water, which can be heard at a distance. Because of their long legs and cloven hooves, which splay to increase surface area, the massive weight of a moose moving through deep snow, mud, or water produces a distinct and heavy thudding sound with each step.