Newfoundland Moose
There are a few things people hope to see when they visit Newfoundland - icebergs, whales, puffins... and, of course, moose.
One afternoon in Gros Morne National Park, we rounded a bend and spotted a moose quietly grazing along the side of the road. We pulled over (at a safe distance, or course) and watched. It seemed completely unbothered by the handful of cars passing by and carried on munching away as if we weren't even there.
Even though this wasn't my first moose sighting, it was every bit as exciting as the first. I've been fortunate enough to see a few on previous visits, and the thrill hasn't faded one bit.
The first thing that always strikes me is their size.
They're enormous.
You can look at photos and read all about them, but until you're standing there watching one in person, it's hard to appreciate just how big they really are. Their long legs, broad shoulders, and massive bodies almost don't seem real. They have a calm, almost peaceful presence, but there's no forgetting that these are powerful wild animals.
What is surprising to learn is that moose aren't actually native to Newfoundland.
In 1904, just four moose were brought over from New Brunswick and released near the town of Howley. The idea was to introduce another food source and help diversify the island's economy, which at the time relied heavily on the cod fishery.
I'd say those four moose exceeded everyone's expectations.
With no major predators and thousands of square kilometres of ideal habitat, the population exploded. Today, it's estimated there are around 120,000 moose on the island - one of the highest moose population densities anywhere in North America.
If you're hoping to see a moose while visiting Newfoundland, the western side of the island offers some of the best opportunities. Gros Morne National Park is especially well known for moose sightings. Its forests, marshes, ponds, and open roadside areas provide ideal habitat, so it's not unusual to come across one feeding near the highway.
As exciting as it is to see one, it's also a reminder to stay alert when you're driving. Moose collisions are a serious concern throughout Newfoundland, particularly along the Trans-Canada Highway and in western Newfoundland, so it's well worth taking your time.
If Seeing a Moose Is on Your Newfoundland Wish List...
After several trips to Newfoundland, here's what we've learned:
- Spend some time in western Newfoundland. Gros Morne National Park is one of the best places on the island to spot moose.
- Plan your drives for early morning or early evening when moose are most active.
- Watch the edges of forests, marshes, ponds, and quiet stretches of road where they often come out to feed.
- Drive slowly and stay alert, especially at dawn, dusk, or after dark. Moose can be surprisingly difficult to spot until you're quite close.
Some travel experiences lose a little of their magic after you've done them a few times.
Seeing a moose isn't one of them.
Wow!!! How beautiful they are, Barbara! Whenever I see animals like these, I’m 💔 to think that in some places hunting them is still a sport… 😔 I prefer to see them alive. 🤗
ReplyDeleteI like your afterword "Some travel experiences lose a little of their magic after you've done them a few times. Seeing a moose isn't one of them."
ReplyDeleteI may have spotted one or two during our countless trips mostly in BC, Alberta, Quebec or Ontario, so for me it's almost as if we encountered a unicorn ;-)
They are beautiful and fascinating to look at! Thank you for sharing. That is interesting how 4 moose created a big population boom like that.
ReplyDeleteI haven't spotted a real live moose yet but there's been a deer or two crossing our street!
ReplyDelete