Originally published in our WINTER 2000-2001 edition

The moose is the largest member of the deer family. Moose stand about 6 feet at the shoulder, and bulls may weigh as much as 1400 lbs, although the average is about 1000 lbs. Cows are about the same height, but lighter in weight. The body is bulky with a short, stubby tail and a disproportionately large head. The long, square muzzle ends with an overhanging upper lip Moose of both sexes have a "bell" that hangs under the throat. This is a flap of skin covered with hair that grows as long as 25 cm on males. The bell is used in communication, both visual and olfactory. The large surface of the bell in bull moose transfers scents to the cows during their "chinning" behavior. The size and shape of the bell on bulls may be a secondary indicator of sex, relative to age and rank, especially during the anterless period. Moose have long legs which are suited for plowing through deep snow, walking over bushes and logs, and wading through muskeg. Their normal gait is a walk, but they occasionally trot in a stiff-legged manner. They seldom gallop unless frightened, but can attain a speed of 20 mph with a peculiar rocking motion.

Thick hides and warm coats insulate them against the winter cold. A difference of as much as 30° may be registered between the air temperature and the hide of the moose. A fine undercoat of grey wool, and coarse, scaly guard hairs helps to retain heat. In spring, the old, faded coat is shed and replaced with a new, short, dark brown coat. In late summer, the guard hairs grow longer and produce a rich, reddish, brown-black coat. The under hair thickens in September to provide additional warmth.

Moose are well-known for their distinctive palmate antlers. Only bulls grow them and the rack is in its prime when the animal is about six years of age. During the first year a moose may grow short stubs and yearlings may develop one or two forks. As the moose ages, a characteristic shovel shape develops, and the antlers form points on both sides. Antlers begin growing in April and reach their maximum size in August or September. They are covered with skin and hair, or "velvet". In late August, the blood supply to the velvet is cut off and it starts to shed, aided by the moose rubbing the antlers against trees. Continuous scraping of the antlers signifies the start of the breeding season.  After about a week, the velvet is completely shed and the white antlers begin to stain brown. Older bulls lose their antlers in December, following the rut, while the younger males may keep theirs as late as February.

Moose are unpredictable in their behavior. They have excellent senses of hearing and smell, but poor vision. When a moose perceives a threat, it often withdraws silently into the trees and stands quietly until the danger has passed. A startled or frightened moose will crash noisily headlong through the brush. Its antlers do not become entangled in dense thickets when it runs because it holds its head back so the antlers lie along the shoulders and the branches are pushed aside.

The timber wolf is the most serious predator of moose in the Northwest Territories, but when the moose population is thriving, wolves act more as a culling agent for old or diseased animals and weakened calves. A single wolf is no match for a healthy moose, which uses all four powerful legs to strike an opponent. A group of more than four or five wolves can, however, pull down and kill a large moose. Wolves often detect moose by scent. When the moose becomes aware of danger, it can either stand and fight or run.
An adult, healthy moose is usually more than a match for a small number of wolves. However, if the moose decides to run, wolves give chase and attempt to slow the moose by grabbing it by the nose, rump, or hocks. An organized attack by a large group of hungry wolves is often fatal for the moose.

During the rut, in late September and early October, bulls become unpredictable and dangerous. At this time, both sexes call to each other. Cows emit a wail-like bawl while bulls respond with a heavy grunt-like noise that can be heard up to half a ½ mile away. Moose often form temporary associations ranging in size from male and female pairs to several adults. Bulls are polygamous and may seek out more than one cow to breed with.

The size of the antlers determines which bull will be dominant if the quest for a cow is challenged. If they are evenly matched, a series of threatening visual signals may pass between them. One bull may circle the other in a stiff-legged, swaying gait, bobbing its antlers from side to side. It may slash and butt trees and shrubs. A threat is also signified by displacement activity, which consists of making jerky head movements during grazing, while keeping a close eye on the opponent. These are aggressive signals which at the same time give the rival a chance to withdraw. Serious fighting between bulls erupts occasionally. It often starts by one pushing the antlers of the other for six to eight steps, then the other will plant its feet and push back. Such activity may be interspersed with jerky grazing motions, and continue for hours.

In late May or early June, the cow moose seeks out a secluded location, often on an island or peninsula, to give birth. A single calf is usually produced by young cows, while mature animals often have twins, and triplets occasionally occur. The calf or calves from the previous year may still be with the cow when the young are born, but she will reject them in order to be alone with her new calves. A newborn calf has a reddish-brown coat, long legs and ears, and a short muzzle. By the time it is a week old, it can run faster than a man and swim short distances. Young calves are frisky and playful, and do not develop a fear of humans until they are older.