Visiting Acadia National Park in Maine? One of the iconic wildlife species you may hope to see is the majestic moose. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about spotting moose in Acadia National Park.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Moose sightings are possible but rare in Acadia National Park. Your best chance is in the early morning or evening along the eastern side of Mount Desert Island.
Background on Moose in Maine
Native Species With Small Population in State
Moose are one of the iconic wildlife species found in Maine. They are the largest members of the deer family and are considered a symbol of the Maine woods (1). Moose are native to Maine and have lived here for thousands of years.
However, due to overhunting and habitat loss, the moose population dropped to only about 2,000 animals statewide in the early 1900s (2). Through careful management by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, the moose population has rebounded to an estimated 50,000-60,000 today (3).
Still, this is considered a relatively small population compared to their historical numbers. Maine has the highest moose concentration east of the Mississippi River and is a popular place for moose watching.
However, moose are still uncommon enough that catching a glimpse of one is a special treat for locals and visitors alike.
Prefer Forested Habitats Near Water Sources
Moose thrive in Maine because the state is largely forested and contains abundant wetland habitats. Moose are perfectly adapted to life in the North Woods. Their long legs allow them to easily walk through deep snow.
Their large, overhanging snout helps strip leaves from trees and shrubs in winter (4). Moose prefer young forests with plenty of birch, maple, and aspen saplings which provide their favorite foods. They are most active around dawn and dusk as they browse on woody vegetation.
Moose also require wetlands, bogs, swamps, lakes, and streams which provide aquatic plants for food. Water sources attract moose during warmer months as they wade in to cool off and escape insects. Maine’s extensive forestland peppered with lakes, rivers, and ponds offers ideal moose habitat.
However, increasing development and maturing forests continue to threaten the habitats moose rely on. Careful forest management and wetland protection are important for ensuring Maine’s majestic moose continue thriving.
To learn more, check out these references:
(1) Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife
(3) Maine Public on Moose Conservation
(4) Acadia National Park on Moose
Moose Habitat in Acadia National Park
Limited Suitable Habitat
Moose prefer early successional forest habitat with an abundance of woody browse. However, Acadia National Park is predominantly covered in mature coniferous forest, limiting the amount of suitable moose habitat.
According to wildlife biologists, only around 3% of Acadia provides high-quality moose habitat.
The best moose habitat in Acadia consists of regenerating forest that was previously cleared for agriculture or logging. Areas that have been disturbed, such as along roadsides or powerline corridors, also provide better moose habitat compared to mature forest stands.
Moose tend to thrive in places with dense young trees, shrubs, and aquatic vegetation that they can eat. The lack of these food sources across much of Acadia explains the relatively low moose numbers in the park.
Best Areas To Look on Mount Desert Island
While moose can be found anywhere on Mount Desert Island, some locations offer better chances of sighting these large ungulates.
- The northwestern part of the island near Great Meadow and Route 3 tends to have more moose activity. This area has patches of regenerating forest habitat.
- Sections of the Park Loop Road, particularly the stretch between the Schooner Head Overlook and the Paradise Hill parking area, cross through prime moose terrain.
- The southeastern part of the island, including the Ship Harbor and Wonderland trails, is productive for moose as well.
It’s also worth scanning marshy areas and ponds, as moose often wade and feed in shallow water. Some of the best wetlands to check are located along the one-way section of the Park Loop Road near Sieur de Monts Spring.
Dawn and dusk are the optimal times for moose sightings in Acadia, as they are most active during crepuscular hours. Patient observers who check clearings and wetlands during low light stand the best chance of glimpsing one of these iconic giants.
Best Times and Places To See Moose in Acadia
Early Morning and Evening Are Prime Time
Moose in Acadia National Park are most active during the early morning and evening hours. This is the best time to catch them grazing, walking, or swimming. Moose typically bed down in forested areas during the heat of mid-day.
Your chances of spotting them are highest in the hour before sunrise and the two hours after sunset when they emerge to feed again. Early risers and night owls have the advantage!
Moose are most likely to be seen around dawn and dusk when they are moving between feeding and resting areas. They tend to stick to forested wetland habitats with abundant aquatic vegetation during the day and venture out into more open areas in the early morning and evening.
Focus your efforts along forest edges, pond shores, bogs, and saltwater marshes at these times.
Some ideal times and places to spot moose are:
- McFarland Hill at dawn as moose graze in the fields below
- Around Seal Cove Pond at dusk as moose emerge from the woods to drink and wade
- Along the shore of Long Pond in the early morning while moose browse on vegetation
Dress warmly for chilly early mornings and bring binoculars to scan areas carefully. Moving quietly and patiently waiting in likely moose hotspots will increase your chances of an exciting moose sighting in Acadia!
Some Key Spots: McFarland Hill, Seal Cove Pond
Here are two excellent locations in Acadia National Park to spot moose:
McFarland Hill
This scenic overlook on Route 198 provides sweeping views of the stunning Maine landscape. It also offers great opportunities for spotting moose grazing in the fields and wetlands below early in the morning.
Moose are drawn to the abundant aquatic vegetation in beaver flowages and other wetlands visible from the hill.
Arrive at McFarland Hill before dawn, dress warmly, and scan the marshes and fields below with binoculars. You may catch sight of the large, unmistakable form of a moose feeding on vegetation. The best light and longest views are from late spring through fall.
Seal Cove Pond
This large pond just north of Seal Harbor attracts thirsty moose in the evenings. Grab a spot overlooking the pond and watch carefully in the hour after sunset. You may be rewarded with the magical sight of a moose wading into the shallow water to drink and feed on aquatic plants.
Moose feel safest visiting the pond under the cover of darkness. Position yourself quietly and wait patiently. The silhouette of a moose illuminated by the setting sun or rising moon is an iconic Acadia experience. Don’t forget your camera!
So grab your binoculars and rain jacket, wake up early, and head to these prime moose viewing spots in Acadia for your best chance at seeing these majestic creatures!
Moose Safety Tips
Keep Your Distance
Moose are majestic creatures, but they can also be dangerous if provoked or startled. Here are some tips for safely viewing and photographing moose in Acadia National Park:
- Give moose plenty of space – stay at least 75 feet away. Moose can charge at speeds up to 35 mph if they feel threatened.
- Use binoculars, spotting scopes or telephoto lenses to safely view moose from a distance. Don’t approach moose to take pictures.
- If a moose displays signs of aggression like raising their hackles or licking their snout, back away slowly and leave the area.
- Make noise when hiking in areas with moose to avoid surprising them around blind corners or dense foliage.
- Keep pets leashed and under control. Moose may view dogs as predators and attack.
- Never stand between a cow moose and her calves. She will protect her young aggressively.
By being alert and keeping your distance, you can safely enjoy sightings of these majestic mammals.
Be Alert When Driving
Moose are most active around dawn and dusk, which coincides with peak traffic times in Acadia. Stay vigilant, especially at night, to avoid deadly collisions:
- Watch for moose crossing signs and drive slowly, especially at dawn and dusk.
- Scan roadsides carefully for moose and use high beams when possible.
- Moose eyes don’t reflect headlights like deer. Slow down if you see tall, gangly silhouettes.
- Brake preemptively if you spot a moose near the roadway. Moose can bolt unpredictably.
- Don’t rely on honking your horn to scare moose off the road.
- If a collision seems inevitable, hit the brakes hard and aim to strike the rump rather than the legs. This avoids the moose crashing through your windshield.
- Report any moose-vehicle collisions to park authorities so they can track problem areas.
Driving defensively and staying alert can help prevent tragedy for both drivers and moose on Acadia’s roads.
Conclusion
While moose sightings are rare in Acadia National Park, you still have a chance of spotting these magnificent animals if you know where and when to look. Focus your search in forested areas on the eastern side of Mount Desert Island in the early morning and evening hours.
Keep a safe distance if you do spot a moose to ensure an enjoyable wildlife viewing experience.
