Why Are Moose So Dangerous, Posing a Greater Threat Than Bears?

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game reports that moose cause more injuries to people annually than bears in the state. While fatalities are rare, understanding why moose are dangerous and how to avoid provoking them is crucial.

Explore the reasons behind the threat posed by North America's tallest mammal.

Moose Basics

As the largest members of the deer family, moose can reach heights of 7 feet (2 meters) and weigh up to 1,800 pounds (820 kilograms). Females are known as cows, while males are referred to as bulls.

Alaskan moose are the largest globally, yet their massive size contrasts with their typically calm nature. These plant-eaters consume willows, birches, and grasses, along with tree bark. In winter, when natural food is scarce, residents of Anchorage often spot them foraging through garbage.

As March and April arrive, the scarcity of winter food drives more hungry moose to wander into urban areas in search of sustenance.

Moose vs. Bear Attacks

While moose are not inherently more aggressive than bears, their proximity to populated areas and larger numbers make them more likely to cause injuries.

Alaska is home to a moose population ranging from 175,000 to 200,000, far outnumbering bears, which include approximately 100,000 black bears and 30,000 brown bears. Moose are responsible for injuring five to 10 people each year, while three to four people are hospitalized annually due to bear attacks.

Contrary to their aggressive incidents, moose are naturally fearful of humans, and their aggression toward people is not typical behavior.

When Moose Attack

In regions inhabited by moose, attacks tend to rise during September and October, coinciding with mating season, and in early spring when mothers guard their calves. Moose typically avoid confrontation unless provoked, and they particularly dislike dogs that bark and chase them.

Hunger can heighten the danger posed by moose, increasing the likelihood of attacks. When hungry, they may revisit locations where they previously found food, potentially becoming aggressive if food is unavailable.

To reduce the risk of moose attacks linked to food, Alaska has classified feeding moose as a misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in prison and a fine of $10,000 as the maximum penalty.

Moose Attacks: How to Avoid One and What to Do

To prevent moose attacks, avoid throwing objects at them and keep dogs at a distance. Refrain from feeding moose, even if you are far away.

If a cow or bull moose charges, run to escape being trampled. Seek shelter behind a tree, building, or car if you cannot reach safety indoors. While moose can outrun humans at their peak speed, they often won’t pursue you far if you create enough distance.

If a moose knocks you down before you can escape, avoid struggling. Curl into a fetal position, protecting your head with your arms. Resisting or fighting back may provoke the moose to continue stomping or kicking.

If you encounter a moose that isn’t approaching, the best approach is to avoid it and let it move away on its own. However, if you observe its hairs standing up, head lowered, and ears pulled back, it’s a clear signal to quickly move in the opposite direction.

Moose on the Roads of Alaska

Most moose-related injuries in Alaska occur on roads. Their frequent presence on highways and roads leads to roughly 500 accidents annually, the highest rate in North America.

Despite this, the Alaska Department of Transportation states that the chance of dying in a moose-related accident is only 0.5 percent, or half of 1 percent.

These accidents persist despite numerous efforts to keep moose off Alaskan roads. Measures include wire fences along busy highways, moose underpasses for safe crossings, and one-way moose gates.

Drivers and passengers aren’t the only ones affected when moose wander onto roads. In Anchorage alone, approximately 120 moose die each year due to vehicle collisions, with nearly 800 fatalities occurring statewide.

This issue extends beyond Alaska. Across the United States, collisions involving deer species result in 2.1 million incidents annually. West Virginia leads in such accidents, with drivers having a 1 in 38 chance of encountering a wild animal on the road.