Last Updated on September 14, 2023 by Amin Tawar
So, you have spotted a dear-like giant wildlife. It has two big antlers, a hump, and a chocolate-colored body fur. You can also see them eating twigs, aquatic vegetation, and leaves. Then, my dear friend, you have spotted the moose.
Along with the above features, these herbivores have long legs, a pendulous muzzle and are great swimmers. They inhabit a handful of states in the United States including New Hampshire.
Below In this article, I’ve explained everything you need to know about the Moose’s presence across the state.
Are There Moose In New Hampshire?
Yes, there is a stable, expanding population of Moose in New Hampshire. Their ideal habitat includes forested areas with both young and older stands where young provide Moose with vegetation for forage and old provides cover and shelter when required.
Note that while the Moose population in New Hampshire is well established it is nowhere near that of other states like Alaska and Maine. The state’s wildlife agency is still in the works to conserve and monitor the Moose population in the state.
How Many Moose In New Hampshire?
Know that it is difficult and next to impossible to precisely provide the number of Moose in the state. It is because of the fluctuating population due to different habitat conditions, food availability, and hunting laws.
Although, as per New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, there are an estimated 4000 to 5000 moose individuals in the state. These numbers have arrived through extensive surveys; monitoring conducted by the wildlife authorities.
How Big Are Moose In New Hampshire?
As big as those found in other states. Yes, typically wild animals including Moose have small variations in their body size with respect to their habitat, and environment. However, these are as mentioned, small, and when you sight them in the wild, it’s almost impossible to spot the differences.
Moose typically weigh anywhere between 700 to 1400 pounds. In general, they stand at about 1.5 to 2.1 meters tall at the shoulder. These physical traits make Moose the largest animal in the deer family and one of the largest terrestrials found on the continent.
What is the moose capital of New Hampshire?
There is no official moose capital in the state. However, located in the northern part of the state, Pittsburgh is considered the unofficial Moose capital due to its suitable landscapes that are typical habitats for moose.
The town has a large distribution of Moose and that’s why it is a hotspot for many visitors to come and visit the state for Moose-watching. It’s important to note that like Pittsburgh, there are many other places in New Hampshire where you may find Moose.
Also Check Our Guide On Moose In America
Where To See Moose In New Hampshire? (Best Time of Year to See Moose In New Hampshire)
Moose typically like to live in dense forests with abundant water sources. In New Hampshire, they tend to be found in northern and central regions often. This includes counties like Pittsburgh, Great North Woods, and the White Mountains in the north, Lake’s region, and Monadnock region in the southwest region of the state.
Note that while these creatures are found in the above locations, more often it is rare to actually sight them. In order to increase your chances, visit these places between Mid-May through July when they move into wetlands to feed, throughout fall when they move to find a mate, and winter when they come to roads to lick the salt off.
Can We Eat Moose in New Hampshire?
Oh yes. You can legally consume Moose meat in New Hampshire. But beware, it isn’t usually the case in other states of the country.
Moose meat is lean, flavourful, and often used in various dishes like burgers, steaks, stews, etc. This makes them one of the most valuable and sought-after meats in the market.
Can You Hunt Moose In New Hampshire?
Yes, In fact, unlike many other states with Moose presence, it is quite legal to hunt Moose in New Hampshire. Their hunting is strictly regulated through a permit system and a lottery system. This is established and monitored by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.
To participate, you need to apply at the designated time of hunting and meet the eligibility criteria set out by the agency. Note that this lottery system is open to both residents and non-residents of the state. As explained before Moose are often hunted as a game and to harvest their meat for consumption.
What To Do If You See a Moose In New Hampshire?
While rare, Moose may exhibit potentially dangerous behavior when threatened. This is the case especially when humans try to disturb the younger ones. In fact, it is believed in some states that, people have been injured by Moose more than even bears.
To have a peaceful observation of these creatures in the wild, you can follow some simple guidelines. Always maintain a safe distance of at least 50 yards from these creatures and best to stay inside a car or any vehicle.
One common no-go is feeding Moose. Never do that as then they may be dependent on humans for food and might not fear us much. If you do find any dangerous behaving Moose, immediately report it to the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department or any local law enforcement.
Follow these guidelines and ensure safety for not only yourselves but also for the moose themselves.
Also Check Our guide On Moose In Montana
Conclusion
And that was everything you need to know about the Moose In New Hampshire. I hope this article answered all your queries.
Thank You For Reading!
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