In early winter, moose can be found near their rutting areas feeding on low shrubs, like diamond-leaf willow, which become snow covered later in the winter. As snow accumulates, moose are forced to lower elevations and feed on tall shrub habitat, like the tall felt-leaf willow type, along rivers and creeks. Lowland burns with sapling aspen and birch are also used in winter. Behavior Moose are solitary animals with a good sense of smell, sight, and hearing to protect them from natural predators. Moose breed in September and early October.
Bulls commonly compete for cows by jousting.
By late October, bulls have exhausted their summer accumulation of fat and tend to stay near their rutting areas for one to two months after breeding. Bulls generally shed their antlers in December or January. Learn more about moose from the Alaska Wildlife Notebook Series . All Rights Reserved.