Maine is the land of stunning natural beauty and abundant wildlife. If you're an avid nature enthusiast, you're in for a treat, as Maine is one of the few places where you can catch a glimpse of one of the most majestic creatures in the animal kingdom - the moose.
A mature bull (male moose) is enormous! They tip the scale around 1,000 pounds and often have antlers that span 6 feet wide and are quite a big deal in Maine. Spotting them in their natural habitat is a must-do for any wildlife enthusiast visiting the state.
Here are a few tips on where and when to see these magnificent creatures up close.
Maine Wildlife Park in Gray offers the chance to get up close and personal with moose. All the animals in the park were injured or orphaned and are now raised there, giving guests 100% of seeing a moose among other classic Maine wildlife.
Moose tours are popular for those who want to see moose in the wild. You can find a list of tour companies that offer moose tours here. These tours run early in the morning or around dusk and take you to hotspots where you can see a moose in their natural habitat while allowing you to snap a pic.
It's important to note that moose are not found in everyone's backyards and are a little shy. They're persnickety about what areas they like to hang around in. You'll typically find them on logging roads, munching on water lilies in wet boggy areas, or hanging around gravel pits.
The best time to spot a Moose is between May and July, around dawn and dusk, and fall, their mating season. They're more active and likely to come out of hiding during this time.
The Allagash Wilderness, Baxter State Park, and Moosehead Lake area offer the best chance to spot a moose on your own. These areas are known for their vast natural beauty, and you'll be able to enjoy breathtaking scenery while looking out for moose.
While spotting moose in the wild can be an unforgettable experience, respecting their space and not getting too close is essential. Moose can be dangerous if they feel threatened, so it's best to observe them from a safe distance.
Whether you're exploring the wilderness on your own or taking a guided tour, with a bit of patience and some luck, there's a good chance that you'll be able to spot these magnificent creatures during your visit.