Moose

Bull Moose

The Moose is the largest of the deer species. A male is termed a Bull and a female a Cow. In April 1910 10 young moose from Canada were relesed at Supper Cove, Dusky Sound, Fiordland. It is largly believed today that the Moose population in New Zealand has died out. However, some hair samples were found in Fiordland in 2002 that were tested in a Laboratory in Canada and were confirmed to be from a Moose.  We can only hope that some of these magnificent beasts still roam our greatest national park.

Moose typically inhabit  boreal and mixed deciduous forests of the Northern Hemisphere in temperate to subarctic climates. However here in New Zealand they have had to adapt to the think subtropical rainforest of Fiordland. An adult moose stands approximatly 1.8–2.1 m (6–7 ft) high at the shoulder,  males weigh 380–720 kg (850–1580 pounds) and females weigh around  270–360 kg (600–800  pounds). The antlers of a Bull Moose are palmated and make an impressive trophy. Moose are generally solitary apart from the bonds between mother and calf. The rut occurs in September- October in the northern hemisphere so if Moose still do exist in Fiordland their rut would occur around April-May. During this times both sexes will vocalise to each other. Bull will produce heavy grunting noises that can be heard from up to 500 meters away while females produce a wail-like call.

Cow Moose

Bull Moose in Autumn

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