Moose licks a car in Canada.
Moose licks a car in Canada.

Moose are abundant throughout Canada, spreading throughout many of the country’s provinces and territories. As the largest species of deer, a cow will weigh up to 1201 lbs (545kg) while a bull may reach up to 1,653 lbs (750kg). While bulls are often seen with large antlers, cows don’t grow any whatsoever.

Moose tend to much leaves and aquatic plants during the summer, but they’ll turn their attention towards the twigs of deciduous trees and the new growth of balsam fur throughout the winter. From spring to fall, moose will search out and take advantage of mineral licks high in salt concentration. This is usually found in swamps, springs, and mud, but they’ll happily lick the up the roadside salt spread int he winter or, like int he case below, take advantage of a salt-covered car.

Moose collisions can be seriously devastating to both the animal and the vehicle. If you see a moose near the side of the road, you should proceed with extreme caution, Moose often travel in groups, so if you see one, there’s a good chance there are several others nearby. Moose are most active around dawn and dusk, though they do travel at night. Read more on moose/vehicle safety below:

State of Maine Guidelines For Spotting A Moose on the Road:

If you see a moose standing in or near the roadway, use extreme caution, especially during mating season from August through October.

  • Slow down.
  • Do not try to drive around the moose.
  • Stay in your vehicle. Do not get out to observe or to chase it off the road. By getting out of the car, you put yourself and other drivers at risk. Moose can be unpredictable and may attack your vehicle.
  • Give moose plenty of room and let them wander back off the road.

Believe it or not! What at first appears to be a gentle, lumbering moose will suddenly charge a car, then stride quietly away.

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