The ULTIMATE Guide to See a Moose in Maine: Tours, Safaris, Tips, & More
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Maine might be known for lighthouses and lobsters, but it’s the moose that really gets people asking questions. This guide seeks to answer the eternal question, “Where can I see a moose in Maine?”
Even at the low end of estimates, there’s one moose for every 23 people across Maine, with moose numbering anywhere from 60,000 to 70,000. In some places, like Aroostook County, that number can go as low as one moose for every 10 people.
Heck, there’s even a life-sized chocolate moose in Scarborough, a Maine Highlands region lake shaped like a moose’s head (aptly named Moosehead Lake), and a Rangeley region lake that literally translates to “Moose Feeding Place.”
However, finding a moose is a mix of planning, luck, and/or local expertise.
History of Moose in Maine
Documented moose sightings in this region date back to the 1600s. However, in the early 1900s, farming, logging, and hunting dwindled that population down to 2,000 statewide.
Hunting restrictions were put in place, and better forest management practices helped restore moose habitats. Now, Maine has more moose than any other state in the lower 48. Only Alaska has more of these majestic mammals, with up to 200,000 in the wild.
Since moose are herbivores (plant eaters), the forested landscape of Maine’s mountains, lakes, highlands, and Aroostook County make a perfect home. These forests and wetlands offer abundant food sources, such as leaves, twigs, and bark. In fact, it’s this eating habit that earned the name “moose,” which is Indigenous Algonquin for “bark stripper.”
Plus, Maine’s cool climate and low population density give more reason for moose to thrive in the wild. Without natural predators in Maine, the biggest threat to moose is humans and winter ticks.
DID YOU KNOW: The word “moose” remains the same in both its singular and plural forms due to its origins. Many words borrowed directly from Indigenous languages do not follow the standard English rules for pluralization, such as adding an “s” or “es.” On the other hand, “geese” is the plural of “goose” due to its Old English origins, which had singular and plural options. Even though they are similar in modern English, the origins of moose and goose dictate how the singular and plural forms are spelled and used.
Moose Facts
Since most people haven’t seen a moose up close, it helps to know some of the physical features when you finally get a chance to spot a moose in Maine.
A male moose is a bull moose, and a female moose is a cow moose. Bulls are about a foot taller than cows at the shoulder, with the average male standing six to seven feet tall and a cow moose hitting five to six feet at the shoulder.
Bull moose have antlers; cow moose do not. Those antlers on the bull can span six additional feet and weigh up to 40 pounds.
Cow moose weigh anywhere from 800 to 1,300 pounds. Bull moose tip the scales up to 1,400 pounds in Maine, with an average weight around 1,100 pounds. For comparison, the bull moose stands twice as tall and weighs four times more than the average white-tailed deer in Maine.
Types of Moose Tours in Maine
Now that you’re extra excited to see a moose in Maine, let’s talk about what to expect when you book a moose tour or safari.
Some might wonder why it’s necessary to book a tour guide to see an animal that is so abundant. While safety is the top reason, expert knowledge of the land and backroads is a close second.
Moose tours can last half a day, a full day, or multiple days on a backcountry camping or cabin trip. Safaris can happen by land and water or a combination of both. Tours are offered in small group sizes, or you can book a private moose safari tailored to your specific wishes.
You’ll also find plenty of lodging that pairs wonderful accommodations with discounts on tour packages, including moose safaris. For example, Moose Mountain Inn in Greenville offers Stay & Play Packages in every season.
While there’s never a guarantee you’ll see moose on these tours, you’re led by the people who offer the best odds. Expect morning tours to last from 6 to 7:30 a.m. and evening tours to begin around 3 to 4 p.m. and end around 7 p.m.
Be prepared for moose safaris to involve lots of sitting and waiting patiently and quietly. Enjoy the wilderness vibes while you’re there.
The Best Time to See a Moose in Maine
When it comes to scheduling a moose safari or moose tour in Maine, it helps to know what you want to get out of the experience. If you want to see a full antlered bull moose, fall is the best time. Moose safari tours generally run from May through October.
Bull moose have antlers primarily for mating displays and competition, and use them to establish dominance and attract females during the fall rut. They shed their antlers in February to conserve energy, and then a new pair starts growing in April.
While many people dread the cold winters of Maine, moose love the chilly environment. In fact, scientists haven’t found a temperature cold enough to cause a moose to start producing heat to stay warm. On the flip side, temperatures in the mid-60s will send moose seeking a cool-off spot, like the lakes and wetlands.
The velvet of antlers is actually a layer of skin as the fast-growing antler bones form. As the breeding season approaches in fall, the velvet sheds to reveal the massive bare antlers. September and October are the best times to see full antlered bull moose, but also the time of year the moose are most aggressive.
Maine Moose Sightings: Month-by-Month
Here’s a month-by-month breakdown from spring through fall, which are the most active times for moose sightings.
- May: This is one of the best months for moose sightings as they are highly active after the winter, searching for fresh vegetation and salt along roadsides. They are often visible during the day as they move to feeding areas.
- June: Moose are still very active and easily spotted, especially near water sources, as they seek aquatic plants rich in nutrients. Bulls are also beginning to grow their antlers, making them more visible in open areas.
- July/August: Moose continue to frequent water sources to feed on aquatic plants and cool off from the summer heat. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to spot them as they avoid the midday sun. They also seek water to escape insects.
- September/October: This is a prime time as the rut begins. Bulls become more active and can often be seen in open areas displaying their antlers and searching for mates, making them more visible.
While moose are still active in winter, they spend a lot of time deep in the woods since their long legs allow for walking in deep snow. The average tourist won’t visit moose territory in the depths of winter.
The best way to find a moose hot spot on your own is to ask locally. Mainers know all the best places where moose have been seen recently.
The Best Places for Moose Tours in Maine
Now that we’ve whittled down the landscape and time of year to spot moose, let’s focus on specific regions where moose tours and moose safaris are held. If you look at a map, draw a line across the state to connect Fryeburg, Lewiston, Augusta, Bangor, and Danforth, and then look anywhere north of that line.
That includes the Mountain and Lakes region, like Rangeley; the Highlands, like Baxter State Park and Greenville; the Kennebec Valley, like The Forks; and Aroostook County, like Caribou.
Maine Mountains & Lakes Moose Tours
The Rangeley region is known for many moose sightings to the extent that it is home to Mooselookmeguntic Lake, which translates to “Moose Feeding Place.”
One popular way to take a moose tour is by seaplane. Whether you want to take the prime trip to a wilderness lodge or just soar above popular moose spots for half an hour, you have plenty of options.
Mahoosuc Guide Service is another popular option in Newry. Those who just want the right supplies to scout out moose can visit Mountain View Adventures or River’s Edge Sports.
Kids will also love a trip to Sugarloaf, where Amos the Moose & Friends can be spotted throughout the high seasons.
Rangeley doesn’t have as many formal moose tours as you’ll find in other parts of the state, but any guided tour service will most likely accommodate moose tour requests. Be sure to look for loons, too!
A hallmark of the Mountains & Lakes is the well-known spots where moose can be seen regularly, though never guaranteed.
Here’s a quick list of the Top 5 Spots to See a Moose in Western Maine.
- Take a scenic drive on Route 16 between Rangeley and Stratton, which is known as Moose Alley. You can also continue that drive from Stratton to Carrabasseet Valley, which is another great moose hangout.
- Rangeley Lake State Park isn’t just known for its amazing fishing. Moose can be spotted here, too!
- Route 4 between Rangeley and Phillips is 22 miles of prime moose-viewing landscape.
- Kennebago Lake, about 16 miles north of Rangeley, is part of the North Forest Canoe Trail, offering waterway routes to search for moose.
- Grafton Notch State Park and Mahoosuc Public Reserved Land are two options to go in search of wildlife while also seeing waterfalls and getting a chance to climb Old Speck.
When in doubt, ask the locals!
Kennebec Valley Moose Tours
The Kennebec Valley is just east of the Mountains and Lakes region, following the Kennebec River from Moosehead Lake to Augusta.
While the river route is famously known for Benedict Arnold’s March to Quebec, you can drive from The Forks to the Canadian border on Route 201, which is also known as “Moose Alley.”
North Country Rivers in Bingham offers individual moose tours or packages with cabins or camping for up to two nights. The Forks Adventure Resort offers various packages on water, trails, and wilderness rides that take guests through some epic moose spots.
Three Rivers Whitewater, true to its name, has activities on the Kennebec, Penobscot, and Dead Rivers. Guided hikes, tubing, and whitewater rides make searching for moose that much more fun.
Ironbound Outdoors offers regular tours but also allows you to choose a custom moose tour adventure or the chance to mix and match activities that include moose safaris.
The more you head north, the more remote the land becomes, which increases the number of moose sightings. In Jackman, try Moose River Guide Service. Plus, they don’t call it Moose Lodge for nothing. This budget luxury lodging option is in the heart of the Moose River Valley.
Maine Highlands Moose Safaris
The Highlands of Maine are home to amazing moose spots thanks to the thousands of acres of preserved land. This includes Greenville on Moosehead Lake and Millinocket at the southern edge of Baxter State Park.
Greenville is said to have three moose for every person.
In fact, the best moose viewing spot, known as the Moose Capital of Maine, is Kokadjo at Lazy Tom Bog, just outside Greenville.
Stop by the Kokadjo Trading Post or book a cabin rental to mingle with moose at sunrise and sunset.
However, this region beyond Greenville is getting into remote, deep woods with undeveloped roads spider-webbing through the wilderness. The tour guides know the backroads like the back of their hands and also know the best moose-spotting sites.
Northeast Whitewater, just south of Greenville in Shirley Mills, offers moose safaris by hiking, shuttle bus, or canoe. Another great option is Northwoods Outfitters, which offers private or group tours. Moosehead Area Guide Services specializes in only private tours, where the guide takes you to the hot spots, and you decide when to stop.
New England Outdoor Center sits poised between Millinocket and Baxter State Park, with easy access to the remote Golden Road, which is another great moose-spotting route. If you’re visiting Bangor, you don’t have to drive too far to get to Twin Maple Outdoors, which has several variations of moose safaris and other wildlife activities.
For those heading to Baxter, ask the ranger at the gate about the best moose viewing locations. I’ll bet you a Moxie that they tell you Daicey Pond.
DID YOU KNOW? The famous Maine book Lost on a Mountain in Maine, centered around a 12-year-old boy lost in Baxter, is now a Hollywood movie.
Aroostook County Moose Sightings
“The County,” as locals call it, is the crown of Maine and another popular moose sighting section of the state. Scenic drives starting at Caribou, including Route 161 and U.S. Route 1, heading to Fort Kent and Van Buren, usually include moose activity.
Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge in Limestone is known to have moose wandering the landscape.
While Allagash Guide Service has a standard menu of tour options, you can also pick a spring antler hunt. As noted earlier, moose shed their antlers in February. April and May are two great months to hunt for antlers deep in the woods.
Look closely at any package that interests you since there might be moose hunting tours from the same vendor that does moose safaris.
Hunting Moose in Maine
The moose hunting lottery in Maine is a lottery in every sense of the word, considering there are only about 2,500 permits issued each year, and the winners are chosen from 50,000 applications. In addition, 90% of those are for residents, with no more than 8% being given to non-residents.
While the lottery is held in February and March annually, the hunting season is in designated weeks from September through November.
That might help you understand a little more why getting a moose permit in Maine is considered a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Moose Safety
I spent several years living in Florida, and never once did someone ask, “Where can I see an alligator?” It generally was more like, “There aren’t alligators around here, right?” (Spoiler alert: Any Florida freshwater should be assumed to have a gator!)
Yet, people seek out moose in Maine without realizing the real dangers present, perhaps more than an underwater alligator in central Florida. The challenge is two-way since humans present dangers to moose as much as moose to people.
Driving Dangers
Moose are massive, have poor eyesight, and are not very agile, nor do they understand the concept of roads and cars. Moose are too tall for their eyes to reflect in headlights, a problem exacerbated by their love of licking salt and minerals off the roads.
If you see a Moose Crossing sign in Maine, take it seriously. Moose are most active at dawn and dusk. Also, where there is one moose, there are more nearby.
The worst months for moose-vehicle accidents are May, June, September, October, and November. Deer-vehicle accidents peak in the fall as well.
If a moose is standing in the middle of the road (as they are known to do), this is called a Moose Standoff. Do not exit your car. Do not inch up to encourage the bull or cow to move along or honk at them. This could make the moose charge the vehicle.
Moose Behavior in the Wild
One of the reasons we encourage Maine visitors to take a moose safari is so an expert is leading the way. If you come across a moose in the wild on your own, there are a few safety steps to take.
- Stay at least 25 yards from a moose.
- Don’t get between a moose and a calf.
- If a moose notices you, that’s a sign you are too close, even if you are 25 yards away.
- If you are too close, calmly and slowly back away. Don’t make sudden movements or scream.
- Hide behind a tree or rock if a moose is approaching you.
- Signs a moose is angry or anxious about your presence include raised hair on the neck, ears pulled back, staring at you, or licking its lips.
MOOSE TRIVIA: The dangling thing underneath a moose’s jaw is a “bell.” Scientists have yet to figure out what purpose it serves. The hump on the back is a thick mass of muscle to support the heavy head and antlers.
Moose on the Loose
It’s not uncommon to see a moose roaming through a Maine town looking for food or swimming near a marina looking to cool off. Regardless of where a moose sighting happens, follow the guidance above to give them space. Whatever you do, don’t crowd around a moose to get a photo or force the animal to retreat.
Make Your Way to Maine for a Moose Adventure
The more respect and space wildlife are given, the more likely they are to prosper. It’s especially poignant when you consider that wild reindeer (caribou) were once so abundant in Maine that there is a city called Caribou. Now, logging and other environmental factors have turned the landscape into a place that can’t even host caribou.
Despite crowd demand, one of the least likely places in Maine to see a moose is Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island. While the National Park Service explains this in-depth, moose can’t really thrive on the small island and aren’t mobile enough to get off and on the island through the swift current or narrow bridge.
Finally, even if every attempt to spot a moose in Maine doesn’t work, you can always visit the Maine Wildlife Park in Gray. A moose sighting is guaranteed!
Do you have moose photos from Maine? We’d love for you to share the pictures with us in the comments below or on our Facebook page.
Hello, We are excited to bring a motorcoach group to Maine for a Moose Safari, how do get a list of guides?