Moose (Shiras Moose)

Moose are the largest of the deer family. The Shiras Moose, also known as the Yellowstone or Wyoming Moose, are the smallest of the four North American Moose subspecies, and the newest resident to inhabit Nevada. Shiras Moose are the most southern of the species and are found in Boreal forests, mixed forest, large delta flood plains, tundra and subalpine shrub and stream valleys. Resources in Nevada are less than traditional habitat for the Shiras Moose, but they have adapted to survive in it.
SCIENTIFIC NAME
Alces alces
CLASSIFICATION
Mammal
LIFE SPAN
15-25 Years
SIZE
90-126” | 800-1600lbs
STATE CONSERVATION STATUS
  • State Protected
FEDERAL CONSERVATION STATUS
Least Concern
GAME STATUS
Game
GAME TYPE
Illegal to harvest in NV
  1. Washoe
  2. Humboldt
  3. Pershing
  4. Churchill
  5. Mineral
  6. Lyon
  7. Douglas
  8. Carson City
  9. Storey
  1. Elko
  2. Lander
  3. Eureka
  4. White Pine
  1. Esmeralda
  2. Nye
  3. Lincoln
  4. Clark

Habitat & Range

Moose prefer areas with streams and lush vegetation. They can sometimes be spotted in northeastern Nevada from Idaho. These areas consist of sagebrush and other shrubs, providing food and shelter in the summer.

  • Alpine and Tundra
  • Rivers and streams
  • Upland Forests

Threats

  • Habitat Degradation

Natural History

Moose are herbivores, primarily eating leaves, bark, and twigs from trees and shrubs. Since Moose are so tall, it’s difficult for them to bend down and eat, but occasionally they can be found eating grasses and and aquatic plants. Moose are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk. The size of a male bull’s antlers distinguish its dominance when competing for a mate. Once the breeding season is over, they will shed their antlers in early winter. They mate during the fall and the female cow will give birth to one baby, called a “calf,” around May. Calves remain with their mother for about a year after birth then are weaned off before the birth of the next calf.

Fun Facts

Moose can sprint short distances at 35 miles per hour and swim for 2 hours at a time at almost 6 miles per hour! Their nostrils are adapted to close for diving underwater and they can go to depths of 18 feet or more.