The Moose-tastic Tale of Newfoundland’s Moose Invasion

Once upon a time, in the late 1800s, a few adventurous moose decided to take a vacation to the island of Newfoundland. Well, not exactly! They were actually brought over by humans who thought, “Hey, wouldn’t it be great to have some moose around here?” So, in 1878, two moose were introduced near Gander Bay. Unfortunately, these moose didn’t quite take to their new home and the experiment was deemed a failure.

But humans are nothing if not persistent! In 1904, another attempt was made, this time with four moose near the town of Howley. This time, the moose found Newfoundland to be a paradise with plenty of food and no natural predators. They thrived and multiplied like crazy! By the late 1990s, their population had skyrocketed to an estimated 150,000. Imagine that – from just four moose to a bustling moosetropolis!

But with great numbers came great responsibility… and a few problems. These moose, with their insatiable appetites, started munching on the native forests, altering the landscape and making it harder for some tree species to regenerate. They also became a bit of a road hazard, leading to numerous moose-vehicle collisions each year. On top of tree munching and becoming a license plate with the silhouette of a moose and the words “Newfie Speed Bump” on it, they thrived in a moose utopia due to the island ‘s lack of large predators like wolves and bears, which would have kept moose populations in check.

Moose on the loose….. Moose are not content to stay in one place. They are constantly on the move, searching for new food sources and better habitat. As their numbers grew, moose began to expand their range, venturing into areas where they had never been seen before. Today, moose can be found in all parts of Newfoundland and have become as much a part of the landscape as the rugged cliffs and crashing waves. It's a story of failed introductions, surprising resilience, and a remarkable population boom that has shaped the island's ecology and culture.

So, what does a typical day in the life of a Newfoundland moose look like? A moose-ical journey in fact! Well, it depends on the season. In the spring and summer, moose spend most of their time eating. Their diet consists primarily of leaves, twigs, and aquatic plants. They are also known to eat mushrooms, apples, and even seaweed!

In the fall, moose begin to prepare for winter by shedding their summer coat and growing a thicker, warmer coat. They also spend time searching for food and storing energy for the colder months ahead.

Winter can be a tough time for moose. They have to dig through the snow to find food, and they may have to travel long distances to find enough to eat. Despite the challenges, most moose manage to survive the winter.

Moose have a relatively long lifespan, a hoof-ful of years! In the wilderness of Newfoundland they can live up to 15 or 20 years. However, their lives are not without their challenges. Moose are susceptible to a variety of diseases and parasites, and they are also at risk of being hit by vehicles, an average of about 540 per year! If you are visiting or new to the island, always be scanning for moose while driving, look for their eyes at night and avoid driving at dusk and dawn when they are most active. If you see a local flash their lights, it could be one of two pieces of Newfoundlandia - a moose or the RCMP….

Despite these dangers, moose populations in Newfoundland remain healthy. In fact, they have become so abundant that they have had a significant impact on the island's ecology. Today, there are estimated to be around 150,000 moose in Newfoundland. This is a significant increase from the early days of their introduction to the island.

To manage the moose population, the Newfoundland and Labrador government issues hunting licenses. Each year, thousands of hunters apply for licenses, and a certain number are selected through a lottery system. Hunting is a popular activity in Newfoundland, and it helps to keep the moose population in check. In the most populous areas of the island, moose are 7 per square kilometer!

So, what does the future hold for moose in Newfoundland? It is likely that their numbers will continue to grow, as there are no significant predators to keep them in check. Moose are likely to remain a prominent feature of Newfoundland's landscape for many years to come. They are a symbol of the island's rugged beauty and its unique wildlife. And as long as they continue to thrive, they will continue to capture the hearts and imaginations of people around the world.

As for the Newfoundlanders, moose have become an integral part of Newfoundland’s culture. (Don’t worry Labradorians, the caribou and your culture will be featured in the future). Moose hunting is a popular activity, and moose meat is a local delicacy, often turned into bologna, salami, sausages, steak, (picture the shrimp guy from Forest Gump listing how many ways to make shrimp dishes).. and pepperoni.

So, while these majestic creatures have certainly left their mark on the island, they’ve also become a beloved symbol of Newfoundland’s wild and wonderful spirit.

So next time you’re in Newfoundland, keep an eye out for these magnificent creatures. Just remember to drive carefully and maybe try some moose pepperoni – it’s a taste of history!