Moose Encounters: 7 Smart Safety Tips for Families Exploring Moose Country

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At The Navigating Mom, we only believe in and promote ethical and natural animal encounters. We do not promote attractions or destinations that us animals as entertainment. For our full wildlife disclaimer, please see our About Page.

On our recent trip to the Kancamagus Highway, spotting a moose was at the top of our bucket list! Moose are large, beautiful animals that are a delight to witness in person. But like any other form of wildlife, safety for both you and the animal needs to be top priority.

You may not think of a moose as being aggressive, but there are more moose attacks in Alaska than Grizzly and Black bear attacks combined. When they feel threatened, they will attack to try and eliminate the threat. To avoid unsafe moose encounters, be sure to keep your distance, make yourself known, be extra cautious during mating season and when calves are around, and never provoke a moose.

Taking these simple steps can help you observe and enjoy these animals while protecting yourself and the animals.

About Moose

Moose are large, beautiful animals that roam the Northern United States, Canada, and Alaska. They are the largest members of the deer family. They have characteristic long legs, massive bodies, and distinctive broad snouts.

They are well adapted to cold climates and are most commonly found in northern forests, wetlands, and areas with lakes and rivers, where they feed on leaves, twigs, shrubs, and aquatic plants.

Moose are excellent swimmers and will often wade into water to cool off and forage, sometimes diving up to 20 ft. below the surface.

Despite their calm appearance, moose are wild animals and can be highly unpredictable. They are typically solitary and do not tolerate close approaches, especially during calving season in spring and the rut in fall, when bulls may become aggressive. Understanding moose behavior and giving them plenty of space is essential for staying safe when exploring the outdoors.

Signs That A Moose Is Going to Attack

It is important to be able to identify when a moose might become aggressive and charge/attack. Some signs that a moose is irritated include:

1. The ears are pinned back 
2. The hair on its shoulders will stand up 
3. The moose licks its lips 
4. The moose might throw its head up like a horse.

A moose might charge at you without any of these warning signs, so it is important to make sure you keep a safe distance between you and the moose at all times.

How To Avoid Unsafe Moose Encounters

Preventing a moose attack is the best line of defense for both you and the moose. Following some simple steps can help decrease the chance of an attack.

1. Make yourself known. Moose may feel threatened, protective, or startled if you get too close to them. When hiking through areas where moose are common, talking loudly, singing, or clapping can help to alert them that you are in the area. 
2. Be extra cautious in the late spring and summer after calves are born. The mother will see anything as a threat to the baby and is much more likely to be aggressive.
3. Male moose (bulls) tend to be more aggressive in the fall months, during mating season. 
4. Never feed a moose. 
5. Never provoke a moose. Do not get too close. Don’t throw objects at the moose. 
6. If hiking with a dog, make sure the dog is leashed. Avoid allowing the dog to bark at the moose, which can irritate and provoke the moose. 
7. Keep your distance. You should stay at least 75 ft. from a moose, and at least 300 ft. from a mother and calf.

What To Do During a Moose Attack

***Disclaimer: Wildlife encounters involve inherent risks. The information in this post is provided for educational purposes only. Wildlife behavior is unpredictable, and the author is not responsible for injuries or damages resulting from outdoor or wildlife-related activities.***

While rare, moose attacks do occur. When a moose attacks, it is likely trying to get you to leave the area. The moose likely feels threatened, and wants to eliminate that threat.

If a moose does attack you, there are some essential things you need to do to protect yourself:

1. Get something solid between you and the moose-a tree, boulder, wall, anything available. The moose will stop attacking when it feels you are not a threat. 
2. If the moose is charging at you, run! Do not try to stand your ground with a moose like you might during a bear encounter. Running in a zig zag can help slow the moose down.
3. When the moose feels it has driven you far enough away it will retreat.
4. If the moose makes contact and knocks you over, get up and continue to attempt to get away. If you are unable to get up, curl up in a ball and use your arms to protect your head. Don’t fight back, it will only show the moose that you are a continued threat.
5. If you have bear spray available, you can use it to deter the moose if it is charging at you. Be sure you have it readily available and know how to use it.

How to Use Bear Spray

While bear spray is not the first line of defense against moose attacks (distance is!), it can be effective in deterring charges in progress. Knowing how and when to use bear spray during moose encounters is essential for your safety.

Steps for Using Bear Spray

1. Remove the canister from the holster.
2. Remove the safety feature on the trigger. Place your index finger through the handle loop and use your thumb to pull the safety clip straight back and off.
3. Point the canister at a slight downward angle and fire towards the charging animal when it is about 50-60 ft. from you. You want the bear spray to create a cloud that the animal has to run through. Do not spray over the animal’s head.
4. Continue to spray continuously, creating a barrier. Use the entire can if needed.
5. Be sure to watch the direction of the animal. If the animal changes direction, change where you are spraying to keep a barrier between you and the animal.
6. Once the animal has stopped charging, slowly back away and leave the area. Do not turn your back and do not run.
7. Always report the encounter to park rangers or local wildlife authorities

***Disclaimer: Wildlife encounters involve inherent risks. The information in this post is provided for educational purposes only. Wildlife behavior is unpredictable, and the author is not responsible for injuries or damages resulting from outdoor or wildlife-related activities.***

At The Navigating Mom, we only believe in and promote ethical and natural animal encounters. We do not promote attractions or destinations that us animals as entertainment. For our full wildlife disclaimer, please see our About Page.

Frequently Asked Questions

***The Navigating Mom (and this post) may contain affiliate links. If you purchase from one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.****