While the best places to look for moose in Maine are undoubtedly the Moosehead Lake and Rangeley Lake area, you can see a moose almost anywhere, and when you least expect it. A moose wandered onto the runway at the Portland International Jetport, stopping traffic for a few hours.
An increasing number of visitors are coming to Maine to watch moose, but
everybody driving in the state should watch out for them.
Collisions between cars and moose are common, especially north of Bangor
during the late spring and summer. Accidents with moose can occur in southern
Maine as well.
Moose are drawn to the roadside by salt spread during the winter.
Skid marks identify many of the hot spots, and some well-known stretches of
road, including Route 201 from Bingham north, are even considered prime
viewing areas.
Although they are larger than deer, moose are more difficult to spot
because of their darker, almost black, summer coat. They can look like a
shadow in the road and won't necessarily run from an oncoming car.
Don't expect a moose to rush off the road. Wait it out or ease around it.
NEWS and FEATURES
As collisions rise, state considers changing moose-control policies
A group of Maine residents asked Commissioner Roland 'Danny' Martin to consider new measures after four people died this year from collisions with moose on Maine roads, the deadliest year since 1998.
(August 24, 2003)
Remember, there's more than just one use for moose
Wildlife photographer Bill Silliker discusses a decline in moose habitat and what it means for the moose watcher.
(January 26, 2003)
Debunking the myth of 'the perfect day'
In the fall, a sunny day's not so perfect for these dark critter. Wildlife photographer Bill Silliker offers some tips on photographing moose.
(October 20, 2002)
Moose make compelling models, but be very wary: Some tips
Wildlife photographer Bill Silliker offers some tips on photographing moose.
(April 21, 2002)
Moose census falls victim to a depleted wallet
Portland Press Herald outdoors columnist Roberta Scruggs investigates the proporsal to have a moose census and wonders why it hasn't happened.
(May 13, 2001)
Of moose and Maine
The ugly but appealing symbol of the state represents the wilderness to many people. Outdoors writer Roberta Scruggs describes the gentle creatures and the treasure trove of moose memorabilia that accompanies them in Maine.
(Dec. 17, 2000)
No sign of live moose ...
... but stunning scenery around Moosehead Lake makes the trip worthwhile. In and around Moosehead Lake in October, the chance of seeing a moose is about 60 to 70 percent. Michele Pavitt describes her search.
(Oct. 29, 2000)
Where have the moose gone? Experts disagree
A drop in sightings is puzzling because only last year, some thought Maine's herd was too big. Wildlife biologists estimate thestatewide population at 30,000 but say they need more data.
(Oct. 8, 2000)
Meander north for moose
There are two centers of moose abundance where they are most easily seen: the Katahdin area and the Greenville area. A summer quest to either area will most likely result in a moose sighting. Here are some likely spots to see the big creatures.
(Jul. 30, 2000)
Tourists mad about moose find mecca in Maine
Greenville's niche-season Moosemainea events increase the region's appeal beyond hunting and fishing. Moosemainea has spawned cottage industries such as moose safaris and aided inns and other tourist businesses. In a moose safari, guides take tourists out in airplanes, canoes, kayaks, pontoon boats or even floating tubes to look for moose.
(Jun. 11, 2000)
MOOSE-RELATED EVENTS
MooseMainea
May 17 - June 14, 2003
Greenville
Moose related events, including Moose Tales, Rowing Regatta, Tour de Moose, and Moosterpiece Craft Fair.
Contact: Moosehead Lake Region Chamber of Commerce
Telephone: 207-695-2702
Write: PO Box 581, Greenville, ME 04441
E-mail: moose@moosehead.net
USEFUL LINKS
The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has a page of natural history of the moose. There is also an active moose hunt in Maine, so this page has a lot of hunting information as well.
The Department also publishes Maine's Watchable Wildlife, that gives background and tips on how and where to watch wildlife in Maine.
Moosehead Lake Region Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 581, Main Street, Greenville, ME 04441
Phone: (207) 695-2702
Areas covered:
Beaver Cove, Greenville, Kokajo, Rockwood, Shirley, Moosehead Trail.
E-mail: info@mooseheadlake.org
Rangeley Lakes Region
P.O. Box 317, Rangeley, ME 04970
Phone: (207) 864-5571; Fax: (207) 864-5366.
Areas covered: Dallas Plantation, Oquossoc, Rangeley Plantation, Sandy River Plantation.
E-mail: mtlakes@rangeley.org
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