FREMONT COUNTY, Idaho – Idaho Fish & Game Upper Snake shared this remarkable video of three moose swimming through Henrys Lake. While their intentions in the water are impossible to truly know, they appear to be playfully jumping up and down as they swim.
While it may be fairly surprising to hear, moose are actually quite strong swimmers. They frequently wade through lakes and ponds in search of aquatic plants for food. While their speed on land is certainly a lot faster than their speed in water (35mph on land), they can keep 6mph up for two hours while swimming. So just because you’re in water, doesn’t mean you’re safe from a charging moose.
Idaho is home to around 10,000-20,000 moose, the third strongest population of all states in the USA. Maine has a moose population around 60-70,000 animals, the highest of all of the lower 48 states, while Alaska has about 175,000-200,000.
If you spot a moose, understanding how they show their can be really important to your safety. When a moose is becoming agressive, they often will lower their head, lick their snout, and pin their ears back. Additionally, if the hair on their neck is standing up, that can be a good sign. But never rely on body language cues. Always give them plenty of space. Learn more on moose viewing safety from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources below.
Moose Viewing Safety
- Always give the moose a lot of space and watch its behavior.
- Never try to approach or feed a moose.
- Keep dogs leashed and under control at all times. It is against Utah law to allow dogs to chase or harass protected hoofed wildlife, like moose.
- Stay calm and do not run away. Talk, make your presence known and slowly back away in the direction you came.
- If a moose charges you or chases you, hide behind something solid (like a tree) or try to get inside a vehicle or building.
- If a moose knocks you down, curl into a ball, protect your head and lie still until the moose retreats.