Moose, known as “hirvi” in Finnish, are an iconic part of Finland’s wildlife. They’re the largest species in the deer family and are commonly found in the forests and woodlands throughout the country.

A few years back, I was driving back to our cabin on a warm mid-July night, around eleven o’clock. The sun was setting, but the sky still held a gentle glow. The fireweeds looked stunning in the dimming light, and in the middle of the field, I noticed a moose.

With the light fading, I pulled over and stepped out of my car with my camera in hand. The moose and I locked eyes. It wasn’t until later, when I was editing the photo, that I realised it was a mother moose with her calf. By the way can you find the calf in the photo? I give you a hint: Take a close look at the picture, and you’ll find the calf’s ear in the image.

Population and habitat

Moose are primarily found in the northern parts of Europe, North America, and Asia.

In Europe moose are commonly found in countries like Sweden, Norway, Finland, Russia, Latvia, Estonia, and Poland, inhabiting boreal and mixed forests. On the other side of the world moose are prevalent in Canada and Alaska, with populations also found in parts of the northern United States, including states like Maine, Minnesota, and Montana. Moose are also found in parts of Mongolia and China. In these areas, they inhabit taiga forests and wooded landscapes.

The estimated total moose population worldwide is roughly between 1 to 1.5 million individuals. In Finland the moose population is estimated to be around 77 000 individuals. The density of moose is higher in the central and northern parts of the country, especially in the forests.

Moose prefer habitats with ample vegetation, such as boreal forests, mixed woodlands, marshes, and areas with abundant aquatic plants. They are adaptable animals but thrive in areas with a mix of dense forests and open spaces where they can find suitable forage.

Finland’s vast forests, which cover over 70% of the land, provide ample habitat for these majestic creatures.

Behavior

After capturing the moose standing in the fireweed field, I continued my journey and spotted two more moose approaching the road. It was a male and a female, moving steadily through the wheat field, heading towards the road.

The sun had set, painting the sky a beautiful shade of orange. I pulled over, stopped my car, and once again, hopped out. I wasn’t sure if there was enough light for photos, but I decided to give it a try anyway. And luckily I could get images of there magnificent animals.

Moose tend to be active around dawn and dusk, but they can also be spotted during the daytime. In the summer, they often frequent wetlands and marshes to graze on aquatic plants.

During winter moose are growing thick fur. Their broad hooves aid in traversing snow-covered terrain, allowing them to navigate through deep snow effortlessly.

Despite their shy nature, collisions between vehicles and moose are prevalent in rural parts of Finland. To prevent these accidents, the country implements safety measures like road signs and designated wildlife pathways.

Impact

Moose can have a significant impact on the environment due to their browsing habits. They primarily feed on leaves, twigs, and the bark of trees, which can sometimes lead to damage in commercial forests.

Finland places importance on conservation efforts to maintain a healthy moose population. This involves managing hunting quotas, protecting habitats, and studying their behavior and migration patterns.

Finns hold a deep respect for nature and wildlife, including the iconic moose, and this reflects in their efforts to conserve and coexist with these magnificent animals.

Besides moose, we have also a number of White-tailed deer living in Finland, of which you can read more here: Balancing Act: White-Tailed Deer in Finland’s Ecosystem

Thank you for visiting my blog and reading my moose post. I hope you enjoyed it!

Join me on my journey in the Finnish nature! Follow my blog for more insights and adventures.

Minna from Finnish Nature 🙂