Reports of aggravated moose have decreased significantly this winter, according to the Alaska Department of Fish & Game.
A Wildlife biologist for the ADFG, Jacob Pelham, says that in the past, they have received many calls of grumpy moose in Alaskans’ yards and driveways as the moose were looking for easy access to food.
“We have not had those calls come in. I think I can count maybe four or five calls that we’ve had with grumpy moose. Otherwise, they’re fat and happy.” Pelham says.
However, because of the lack of snow, the moose have been able to dig down and retrieve various vegetation.
“Moose will eat for as long as they can.” Pelham says, “It could be 100 pounds a day if they really spend their time getting after it, but that will definitely be on the high end. If they need a lot of food, they can really put it back.”
The moose are also energetic because they are getting proper nutrition.
Many of the moose are no longer relying on roadways to access their food, but because of the minimal snow accumulation, they are able to dig under spruce trees.
They are also eating “gold ticket” food items such as buds off of fallen birch trees
“The moose population is doing well,” Pelham says. Calf mortalities are low, and moose are doing better near Mystery Hills in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.
With bears being one of the moose’s predators, Pelham mentions that there is a good balance and a compensatory predation.
Despite the decrease in reports, Pelham wants to warn people not to approach any kind of wildlife.
Have an escape route, make noise, and keep your distance for the best chance of success.