Believe it or not, more people are injured in Alaska by moose than by bears. Unlike bears, moose don’t bite the targets, they kick. Generally moose attack with their front legs but are capable of kicking 360 degrees around them:
“They generally kick with their front legs. That’s most common, but it depends. Sometimes they get annoyed and they’ll kick back. If they feel threatened, they can kill you with a hind leg kick. -John Crouse, Wildlife Biologist
While moose pose a significant danger to humans who venture too close, their primary opponents are members of their own species. Moose mostly spar during the annual breeding season known as the rut for mating rights and territory but skirmishes happen year round.
Outside the breeding period these conflicts are mostly associated with food. Durning the winter months when resources are scarce and the deep snow makes movement difficult, moose are prone to aggression like these two who were filmed battling in an Anchorage, Alaska parking lot.
Interestingly there was clear evidence these moose were about to fight before this scuffle began. If you ever see a moose with long hairs on its hump are raised and its ears laid back beware because these are indicators that it may become aggressive. If you ever encounter a moose and these behaviors are on display, immediately seek the nearest tree, fence, building, car, or other obstruction to duck behind. Learn more about moose safety in Alaska below.
ALASKAN MOOSE SAFETY GUIDELINES:
Moose tend to be low-key, but can be–well–moody. Males are more likely to act aggressive in early fall (mating season) and females in late summer (protecting calves). They also really dislike dogs.
- If You See a Moose: Talk calmly, and back away. Give him about 50 feet of personal space.
- What Provokes Moose: Dogs. If you have a dog with you and you see a moose, leash him and keep him back.
- Getting too close to a calf: Never get between a mother (cow) and her young.
- Getting too close, period: Don’t yell, throw things, or even offer food. Moose may happily take food from your hand, but are known to attack afterward, too. (Again, moody.)
If the Moose Attacks
- Look for warning signs: ears back, hair raised on hump (or “hackles”), grunting, stomping feet.
- Moose tend to bluff-charge, stopping short of you. Check out this video of a moose charging a dog outside a house.
- Get behind a tree, rock, fence or car–anything to separate you from the moose.
- Moose often fight with their front hooves. If the moose hits you, play dead, curled up with your hands on head and neck. Your backpack makes a good shield.