Surviving Moose Attacks: What You Need To Know Before Your Next Adventure

Preparing for an outdoor adventure includes knowing what to do when encountering wildlife, particularly those that can cause significant physical harm. Moose attacks are no joke, and you should know how to handle them before heading out into the wild. 

Moose Basics

As the largest species of the deer family and the tallest animal in North America, moose are majestic and intimidating creatures. They can grow to be 7 feet tall and 9 feet long, and weigh well over 1100 pounds. Males are called bulls and females are called cows. Bulls carry grand, palmated antlers that they shed and regrow yearly. These bony protrusions help show their dominance and attract cows during mating season. 

Despite their enormous size, moose are what you’d call gentle giants. They have a generally passive demeanor, strolling through their habitats and munching on plants and tree bark. You’ll mostly find them in the northern regions of the U.S., predominantly in Maine and Alaska, as well as throughout Canada. 

The Rise of Moose Attacks

While moose are typically docile creatures, certain triggers can provoke them into defensive or aggressive behavior. The last thing you want is a 7-foot-tall animal with giant antlers charging at you. There are several reasons why this might occur. 

Bulls typically become more aggressive during mating season in late September and October. During this period, slight provocations can cause them to get confrontational and even hostile. In the early spring, cows can also display threatening behaviors when protecting their young calves. If you see a calf on its own, tread carefully as you may have come between it and its mother — not a good place to be.

Hunger can also make moose more dangerous and more likely to attack, though this pretty much applies to any large animal you encounter in the wild. 

Human-Moose Conflicts

Every year, reports of moose attacks on humans emerge, underscoring the need for proper precautions. 

Conflicts often arise when humans and moose share the same space, particularly in areas where human development encroaches on moose habitats. These hostilities can result from accidental encounters or instances where moose feel cornered by human presence. Urban expansion, habitat loss and increased human activity in wilderness areas can escalate tensions.

Being large and powerful animals, moose can pose a threat to humans if they feel provoked or perceive a potential danger. One dangerous thing about them is they’re largely unafraid of humans, unlike other deer species. For this reason, they’re just as likely to charge at you as ignore your presence. 

The probability of a moose encounter going wrong isn’t as high as that of a bear. Nevertheless, while moose attacks are nowhere near as deadly as grizzly bear confrontations, they’re generally more frequent. According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, moose pose a greater threat of causing injury than bears because of their large numbers close to certain habited areas.

Dog-Provoked Aggression

You’ll want to be extra careful when hiking or camping in moose country with a dog. Moose dislike dogs because they bark loudly at them, causing agitation. If your furry friend runs up to a moose, barks at it and runs back to you, it will likely charge at both of you. 

Reading Moose Body Language

An agitated moose preparing to attack will often present a number of telltale signs. Before venturing into their territory, you should know how to read these body signals. 

According to experts, the clearest indication of aggression is if the animal sticks its tongue out and starts licking its mouth. No, this doesn’t mean the moose is relishing the thought of feasting on you. Moose use their tongues to collect the scent of the threat and size it up. When you see this, chances are it is prepping to trample or gore you with its antlers. 

Other signs to look for include low-pinned ears, raised hair on the neck and bulging eyeballs. These serve as a warning that the animal is uncomfortable with your presence and is likely considering a fight-or-flight response.

What to Do if a Moose Attacks You

If a moose begins to act aggressively toward you, follow these steps to increase your chances of survival and minimize injuries.

1. Stay calm: Try to remain as calm as possible. Given the sheer size of the animal and its sharp antlers, this is obviously easier said than done. However, panicking will only worsen the situation by preventing you from thinking clearly. 
2. Create distance: If possible, slowly back away from the moose while watching its movements. You want to put distance between yourself and the animal while showing that you’re no threat. 
3. Seek cover: If the moose continues to charge or attack, run as fast as you can in the opposite direction. Look for cover behind a large tree, rock or other solid object that can provide adequate protection. Being out of the animal’s sight may calm it down enough for it to lose interest in the pursuit. 
4. Protect your head and vital organs: If the moose knocks you down, curl into a ball with your hands protecting your head and neck. This position can help minimize injuries from hooves or antlers. In some cases, playing dead may deter further aggression from the moose. Stay still and avoid making sudden movements until the animal loses interest.
5. Seek medical attention: Even if you believe your injuries are minor after the attack, seek medical attention promptly. Moose attacks can cause serious injuries that may not be immediately apparent.

The Role of Habitat Loss in Increased Moose Aggression

With their natural habitats dwindling, moose are forced to live closer to human settlements, agricultural lands and recreational areas. This environmental pressure can trigger stress and territorial behavior in moose, heightening the likelihood of confrontations with humans. Imagine vast forests giving way to urban sprawl, pushing moose populations into smaller, fragmented habitats where they must compete for resources and space. 

Moose-vehicle collisions are a particularly concerning implication as they seem to occur more frequently. The National Park Service estimates accidents involving various deer species account for around 440 human deaths and 59,000 injuries yearly. 

Consequently, conservation efforts must prioritize wildlife habitat preservation, restoration and corridor connectivity — providing seamless access to woodlands and forests in human-populated areas. Implementing the necessary changes for moose to thrive in their natural environment can help mitigate conflicts and promote coexistence.

Avoid Moose Attacks During Your Next Adventure 

Nothing ruins an outdoor expedition quicker than a wildlife attack, especially from one of the largest animals on the planet with big, strong antlers. Take care to understand and respect these animals’ behaviors, maintain a safe distance in the wild and avoid actions that could agitate or startle them.