Running Moose Track

by Carl Kozak
(Hayward WI USA)

If one crosses a running moose track, why is it running and how far do they generally run?
Elk typically run for miles. Carl


Carl,
I have come across many running moose tracks and have pondered this myself. I have formulated the following conclusions:

Moose, generally do not run unless they have been startled or pursued. Human or predator presence can be enough to start a moose running. Moose are like any animal, sometimes all it will take is the smell or noise from the perceived threat to set them off.

I have observed moose trotting across meadows for no apparent reason other than to get to the other side. Likely to lessen their exposure to the wide open space.

If pursued or startled moose can and will run for miles as well, similar to elk.

A moose will run if startled similar to any ungulate and will only return to a walking pace once the danger has passed. How far will they run? This depends on the level of threat, perceived or real.

I hope this helps and thank you for the question,
Mark

Comments for Running Moose Track

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mares's urine
by: carl

Comment moved to mares urine for moose hunting
moose cows habits
by: carl

When rutting, I was wondering if a bull will have more than one cow with him at a time. Elk have herds.
When a cow moose picks out her bull to be bred by, will she prevent him from comming into my bull grunt or cow call?
moose cows habits by: carl
by: Steve Kane(buckee)

Moose are not herd animals like Elk are. They wander for miles at times and are a solitary animal, although you may see them in what appears to be a group at water holes.
A bull, during the rut, will seek out a single female cow, by listening for her calls, and also listening for other bulls in pursuit of a cow. Occasionally bulls will battle for a female, but most times they stage mock fights, by threatening and circling each other. These mock fights and threat displays will usually discourage one bull, and he will withdraw, leaving the other bull with the cow.
He will then mate with her over a one- to two-day period, then move on to find another cow.
I hope this answers your question, and maybe Mark can elaborate.
Bull Moose Posturing
by: Mark ~ Site Owner

Thanks for you comments Steve, I think you explained the situation very well.

The only part I would add is about bull moose posturing, which you eluded to.

Bull moose have, for the most part intimate knowledge of the the other bulls antlers in their own home territories as well as their own antler size.

Through the antler growing season and especially once the velvet starts to come off bulls will jostle each other to determine strength, as they size each other up by showing each other their headgear.

When a bull approaches another bull he will often approach at an angle not head on, so as to so his antlers. The bulls approach will involve the swaying his head from side to side as he walks slowly towards his adversary. this is all part of the posturing that moose do. Biologists have determined that bull moose behave this way to prevent injury.

Many times a more mature bull will chase off a younger bull without ever having to engage antlers.

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