Bull Moose Heads into the Lake for Sustenance on a Beautiful Evening

When Moose wade into lakes or other bodies of water, they primarily feed on aquatic vegetation. Moose may eat the leaves, stems, and flowers of water lilies, which are common in many freshwater lakes and ponds. Moose Bulls and Cows will eat Pondweeds that are submerged aquatic plants of which are partially submerged in lakes. Water Horsetail, also known as scouring rush plant grows in shallow water and is a part of a moose's diet. Various submerged grasses that grow in lakes can be consumed by moose when they forage in the water and other aquatic vegetation depends on the specific location and ecosystem. While Moose are not underwater grazers like some marine animals, they do often venture into the water to access the plants growing near the shore or partially submerge themselves to reach submerged vegetation. This feeding behavior allows Moose to meet their nutritional needs and put on weight before and during the Moose Rut and then Winter.

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Moose Rut Season

The Active Moose Rut Season Time and Duration

The active peak of rutting season for moose is the first two weeks of October. Farther North in the hemisphere is earlier as South is a bit later.

Early in September, however, even though no mating occurs, moose cows behavior changes towards bulls that begins to allow courtship. Bull moose come down from altitudes into the valleys and cows will socialize with bulls for the purpose of reproduction. Moose may be witnessed in small groups at this stage. Fights among bulls at this time may be possible as they begin to compete for the right to court cows.

During this early rutting phase, bulls and cows can be heard vocalizing sounds that are not usually heard at other times of the year. Moose Bulls are normally quiet, but as the rutting season starts, bull moose will announce their presence with a low-frequency grunting or gulping sounds that many call a croak.

Beginning of the Moose Rut

In the first two weeks of October, bulls will court cows for mating purposes. The largest and heaviest of the Deer family may still be seen in groups during this time, with both Bulls and Cows potentially competing for mates. Moose Bulls will chase off or even fight rivals for mating rights, while cows that occupy the same area may also chase each other away from a favourite bull moose.

While cow moose are in estrous the bulls will stay in the area, mating several times to ensure successful breeding happens.

Moose Rut in Canada

Moose Rut Season Captured in Nature on Video..

View more Moose(Alces alces) rutting season videos with Wildlife On Video.

Moose Rut
We were lucky to witness this huge bull courting a receptive cow during the Moose Rut. The active peak of rutting season for moose is generally the first two weeks of October. Farther North in the hemisphere is earlier as South is a bit later. Moose bulls may court cows for several days during their mating season. The largest and heaviest of the Deer family can often be seen in groups during this time, with both Bulls and Cows potentially competing for mates. Moose Bulls will chase off or even fight rivals for mating rights, while cows that occupy the same area may also chase each other away from a favorite bull moose. You can hear some vocalizations between the bull and cow along with seeing some very rare behavior in these gentle giants.

More Moose Rut Encounters: 5