Moose Sounds

What sound does a moose make?

During the autumn rut, bull moose make deep, croaking grunts — 'er-uh, er-uh' — as they search for mates, while females answer with long, wailing moans that can carry over three kilometres through the forest. It's one of the loudest love songs in the north woods.

Bulls also thrash bushes with their massive antlers, adding crashing percussion to their grunts. Outside the rut, moose are quiet browsers, though calves bleat softly and mothers grunt to keep their babies close.

About the Moose

Moose are the largest members of the deer family, native to northern forests of North America, Europe, and Asia. These impressive animals can stand over 6 feet tall at the shoulder and weigh up to 1,500 pounds. Male moose, called bulls, grow large, palmate antlers each year, which they use for display and combat during mating season. Moose are excellent swimmers and can even dive up to 20 feet underwater to feed on aquatic plants. They have a distinctive appearance with their humped shoulders, long legs, and pendulous snout. Despite their size, moose can run up to 35 mph and are agile in both forest and water environments. They play an important role in their ecosystems, influencing forest growth through their browsing habits.

Moose questions

What sound does a moose make?

Bull moose grunt in deep croaks during autumn, and cow moose answer with long wailing moans that carry for kilometres. Calves bleat softly.

How big can a moose's antlers get?

A big bull's antlers can span nearly 2 metres and weigh over 30 kg — and he grows a brand-new set every single year.