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Moose
At least 1,000 moose are estimated
to live in Washington. Almost all are in the northeastern counties of Pend Oreille,
Stevens, and Spokane. Occasionally moose are spotted in the northwestern and
north-central counties of Whatcom, Okanogan, and Ferry, and a wanderer or two
has been seen in other areas. But the only significant populations are in the
northeast's Selkirk Mountains that range into Idaho and British Columbia.
As the largest member of
North America's deer family, the moose (Alces alces) is unforgettable, whether
viewed from a distance or especially when encountered up close. Its sheer size
commands respect. Its uniqueness makes it a curiosity.
Description
Moose are dark brown and
long-legged with massive shoulders. They have prominent muzzles with an overhanging
upper lip, and a large flap of hair-covered skin that hangs beneath the throat
called a "bell." Adult males or bulls have broad, flat, palmated antlers tipped
with a number of points, depending on age and health. Yearling males have
forked antlers and by about five years of age the familiar palmated rack has
developed. Antlers are shed during the winter and regrown each spring. Washington's moose belong
to a subspecies called "Shira's" moose, which is physically smaller than more
northern-dwelling moose. Adults measure nearly six feet at the shoulder. A
bull's antler spread can be as much as 6-1/2 feet across. Bulls weigh between
850 and 1,100 pounds and adult females or cows weigh between 600 and 800 pounds.
Moose tend to be loners,
except for cows and their calves. Breeding occurs in the fall and single or
twin calves are born in June. Yearling calves often live with their mothers
until the cow drives them off to give birth to a new calf. Some yearlings
re-group with the family several weeks after birth and remain with the cow
for up to two years of age. Black bears and cougars
are the most common predators of moose calves in Washington. In areas where
wolves and grizzly bears are more abundant, they are the dominant moose predators.
Generally moose prefer
forested habitat where lakes, marshes, and other wetlands provide them with
aquatic vegetation and willows. But in less wet areas, like northeast Washington,
they also eat the woody browse in early stages of regrowth following disturbances
like fires, logging, and clearing. Moose are a pioneering type animal and
adapt to a variety of available forage. With its great size and
forage demands, the home range of the average moose in any given season is
about three to six square miles, although they habitually wander much further.
Management
The Washington Department
of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) classifies moose as a game animal. A limited number
of special, once-in-a-lifetime moose hunting permits are issued each year
on a draw basis to hunters with valid licenses and tags. The season is open
during October and November in five moose management units in northeast Washington.
Washington's moose population
has been slowly growing since the first confirmed moose sighting was made
in Pend Oreille County in the early '50's. A study conducted in the early
'70's indicated a population of about 60 moose. The first moose hunting season
in Washington was in 1977 with three permits in the Selkirk unit of Pend Oreille
County. Increased moose sightings throughout the area and beyond suggested
a growing population. In 1987 one moose hunting permit was allowed in the
Mt. Spokane unit. By 1998 there was a total of 43 permits among five units,
and by 2006 there were 100 permits over 10 units. Since the '90's the number
of moose sightings rapidly increased, including an alarming number of poaching
cases. Many illegal moose kills appear to be a kind of vandalism by road-cruising
shooters who leave carcasses without any attempt to retrieve game meat. The
problem isn't just more moose, but more people. "Moose patrol" is now a WDFW
enforcement priority with a boost in cash rewards for information leading
to poacher convictions and strategic use of moose decoys and stakeouts. Information can
be relayed through the 24-hour, toll-free poaching hotline: 1-800-477-6224.
Even greater testimony
to the parallel growth of both human and moose populations is the increased
incidents of moose wandering into the suburban and urban areas of Spokane.
WDFW personnel attempt to either "escort" the wanderers away from the potential
hazards of civilization and back to the woods, or occasionally tranquilize
and relocate troublesome individuals. Relocated moose are now marked, either
with colored ear tags or radio telemetry equipment, to learn more about where
they go and whether they are repeat visitors to the city. People and Moose
Most people seem to like
moose because they're so different. They don't spook or shy away from us as
readily as deer, appearing more docile or even curious. But something to remember
about moose is that anything that big can be potentially dangerous. Actually moose, like
any wild animal, can feel threatened by and fearful of people. Although with
their long legs they could outrun us, they are not built for speed like deer
and will often choose "fight" over "flight" to escape a situation. A charging
moose often kicks forward with its front feet, knocking down the threat, then
stomping and kicking with all four feet. Antlered bulls can use their racks
just as lethally. Moose can be aggressive
any time, but at these times in particular: Since that nearly covers
the calendar year and more, what do you do when you see a moose?
Most importantly, give
any moose in any environment lots of space. If you're hiking
in the woods, yield the trail in whatever way works -- back off, change directions,
and enjoy the animal only from a distance. This is especially important
during the winter for snowmobilers and skiers because moose
travel on broken trails to save energy. Be especially alert around
cow moose in late May and throughout June since there is a good chance a newborn
calf is around. If you see a calf and not a cow, be extremely careful
moving out of the area; you may have walked between mother and baby, which
is probably the most dangerous place to be. While enjoying the outdoors
in the fall, be alert for bull moose in the breeding season. The
peak of this "rut" is generally late September and early October, but it can
extend from early September through late November. Cow moose can be aggressive
at this time, too. Although these animals aren't focused on you at this time,
give them a wide berth to avoid being mistaken as intrusive competition. Keep all dogs
confined in moose country. Moose consider dogs, which are close relatives
of wolves, to be their mortal enemy. Moose have been known to go out of their
way to kick at a dog, even one on a leash or in a fenced yard. If you see
a moose where you live, bring dogs inside. If you're walking with your dog
and see a moose, keep your dog quiet and take an alternate route out of the
area. Never hike or camp with dogs in moose country. If you are driving
and come upon a moose standing or walking in the road, yield to the moose.
It may be trying to rest or save energy, and if you try to move it, your motor
vehicle could come under attack. If you are driving at night in an area that
is frequented by moose, slow down and be extra cautious -- a collision with
a moose could be fatal for both of you. If a moose wanders into
a suburban or urban neighborhood where it will have trouble
wandering out because of traffic and other human congestion, contact WDFW's
Spokane office (509-892-1001) for assistance. Meanwhile, confine dogs and
other pets and keep children inside and quiet. Give the moose ample room to
move out of your yard. Don't block escape routes or allow others to do so.
Draw curtains on large glass doors and windows so that moose don't mistake
them for an escape route. Do not approach
any moose, even if it seems quiet and gentle. Moose often lay down
in the shade of buildings and trees to rest and cool down. If approached repeatedly,
even by the best-intentioned onlookers, it may become stressed and aggressive.
Enjoy the visitor from a respectable distance. Use binoculars and telephoto
camera lenses. Be patient. Never feed moose.
Moose that are fed by people often become aggressive when they are not fed
as expected. They may attack another person who has no food to offer. A moose
with a history of unprovoked attacks on people may have to be killed to protect
public safety. In case of attack...
Many moose charges are
bluffs or warnings, but you need to take them all seriously. Even a calf,
which weighs 300 to 400 pounds by its first winter, can injure you. A moose that sees you
and walks slowly towards you is not trying to be your friend. It is probably
warning you to keep away (or looking for a handout if it's been fed). It may
signal an attack by laying its ears back, raising the long hairs on its shoulder
hump, stomping the ground, or swinging its head in your direction. If you
see it licking its lips you are far too close! Back off. Look for the
nearest tree, fence, building or other obstruction to hide behind. Unlike
with cougars, bears or even dogs, it's usually a good idea to run from a moose
because usually it won't chase you very far. You can run around a tree or
other obstacle faster than a moose can. If a moose knocks you
down, it may continue running, or start stomping and kicking. Curl up in a
ball, protect your head with your arms and hands, and hold still. Don't move
or try to get up until the moose moves a safe distance away, or it may renew
its attack. Moose are a unique
part of the high quality of life in Washington. If we take the time to think
about their behavior and our own in response to them, and we teach our children
to do the same, we can enjoy sharing space with this spectacular animal.
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