How Fast Can a Moose Run? Surprising Facts You Need to Know!

You surely don’t want to run into a moose. But what if you do? Well, in that case, you need to know how fast a moose can run. It isn’t just this; it also depends on how fast you run. Since you know about your running abilities, let’s focus on the speed of moose here.

Moose, also known as elk, is the largest species in the deer family. They are found in Asia, Alaska, Asia, Canada, the US, and Europe and are different from other deer because of their size, strength, and antlers. They mate between the months of September and October. A male moose is called a bull, a female a cow, and a baby moose is called a calf.

Related Article: Best Binoculars for ELK Hunting – Reviews & Buying Guide

How Fast Do Moose Run?

Moose are known for their impressive running speed. On average, moose can run at a speed of 22 mph. However, when being chased or hunted, a fully grown and mature moose can reach speeds of up to 35 mph. It’s worth noting that male moose weigh around 1500 lbs, while female moose weigh around 1100 lbs. Their weight can affect their speed, and they need to rest after running for around 300 yards. However, if they choose to move at a moderate pace, they can still cover substantial distances.

Aside from running, moose are also excellent swimmers. They can swim at a speed of 10 mph, which is remarkable considering their size. While it’s impossible to outrun a moose, their poor eyesight could give humans a chance to escape. Moose are generally not aggressive towards humans, but they can become defensive if they feel threatened.

Factors Affecting Moose Speed

Moose speeds can vary depending on certain factors like age, health, terrain, weather conditions, and time of year. Let’s find out how these factors influence the speed of a moose.

Younger Moose

Just like other animals, moose don’t just start running the day they are born. They have to depend on their parents for survival. Not only do they slow themselves down, but they also slow down the movement of their mothers. With time, they learn, and after two weeks of birth, they are capable of swimming and running at an average speed.

Older Moose

The natural phenomenon of getting weak also applies to moose. Older moose can’t run as fast as an average moose does. Their speed drops almost to half when they get old. But even their half-speed is similar to the top speed of an average human being. Where age reduces their speed, it also gives them experience, which is why you should never underestimate an older moose.

Moose Size

Small moose have short legs, and with short legs, they take short steps, and vice versa. Hence, size matters when it comes to moose.

Moose Health

A healthy moose runs like any other average moose. However, if it is injured or ill, it will move slowly in comparison.

Weather Conditions

Weather conditions can affect a moose’s running speed. When the weather is mild, a moose can run at its full potential speed. However, if the weather is challenging, such as in extreme heat or cold, their speed might decrease.

Visibility

As a hunter, you can rely on this factor because moose are poor-sighted and cannot see across long distances. Considering there is fog or low light, you have a great chance to hunt and survive. However, their hearing and sense of smell may not let you go undetected for long.

Terrain

The terrain doesn’t play much of a part in their ability to run. But it does affect their speed. If they are going uphill, they are likely to slow down, and vice versa.

How Fast Can A Moose Run In Deep Snow?

Moose mostly prefer temperate habitats over colder ones. However, they can still be found in snowy environments at times. Their hooves work like boots, allowing them to move easily in the snow. In order to conserve energy and survive in the winter, moose tend to avoid physical activity.

However, this does not mean they are incapable of running in the snow. In fact, they can run up to 35 mph for short distances in the snow. Nevertheless, they tend to avoid reaching their top speed in order to save energy. For longer distances, they typically trot at around 20 mph.

Do Moose Chase Humans?

So far, we have only talked about how fast moose are and that they can be dangerous. Well, they are not dangerous as long as you don’t intend to harm them. Moose don’t take much interest in chasing humans and may simply ignore them.

They carry on with whatever they are doing as long as they feel safe. But if you go too close to them, make them feel threatened, and get near their children, then you might find yourself in a lot of trouble. Therefore, make sure not to get too close and take all possible precautionary measures.

Are Moose Dangerous?

Considering the size and strength of moose, it is often said that they are dangerous and harmful. This isn’t completely true because moose are quite calm and peaceful animals as long as certain factors are considered. You need to be careful with bull moose in the mating season because that’s when they are most aggressive.

Besides, a cow is very protective of her children. So never risk coming between a cow moose and her calves. You are good to go, seeing as you don’t push them to retaliate.

Can Humans Outrun Moose?

Moose have strong, muscular legs, with their front legs longer than the rear. They help them run fast and jump over any obstacles ahead. Because of their size, they are considered the tallest animals in North America.

It’s a fact that their size might slow them down, but not enough to give you a chance to overtake them. They can easily knock you down, but you may survive if you use their weaknesses to your advantage and devise a strategy.

What Should You Do If You Run Into A Moose?

If you run into a moose, what happens depends on how the moose is feeling. Either it will ignore you and let you pass away, or if it’s showing aggression, it will strike you and keep attacking. If a moose chases you, you should find a hiding spot and not come out until the moose has backed off.

Some Signs a Moose May Attack You!

If you see any of the signs mentioned below, you need to back off slowly. If the moose is set to chase you, don’t think about outrunning it. Just find something to hide behind, like a tree or your vehicle.

• The moose stops and stares.
• The hairs on its body rise up.
• It clicks its teeth.
• It begins to urinate.
• It lowers its head and moves towards you.
• It smacks its lips.
• Stomping its feet
• Shaking its head

Conclusion

Moose are faster than you think, and they can be deadly at times. You can never outrun a moose; therefore, don’t get too close to them or their calves. If you run into a moose that wants to attack you, just try to hide somewhere. Above, some signs are mentioned that tell when a moose is going to attack. We hope the article was helpful and you have all the knowledge you need about moose. We wish you luck with the moose.

Additional Common Questions

How fast does moose run?

Despite their size and somewhat awkward appearance, moose are surprisingly fast animals. Capable of breaching the 30 mph mark, a healthy, full-grown moose can achieve speeds of up to 35 mph. As an experienced wildlife observer, I’ve found it quite remarkable to witness such large creatures moving at such speed. In addition, their swimming ability is worthy of mention as well: they can cruise through water at a speed of 6 mph, a feat they can keep up for an impressive length of time—around two hours.

Can I outrun a moose?

Well, I’d say it’s generally unwise to participate in a footrace with a moose, chiefly because no matter how fast you may be, outrunning a moose is practically impossible. Even despite their significant size and bulky build, these imposing creatures can clock speeds up to 35 mph when they decide to charge. Trust me, I’ve had a close encounter or two, and the experience has underlined the importance of maintaining a safe distance from them. In the event of a moose charge, the smart move is to quickly find something large—a tree, a car, or a sizeable rock—and put it between you and the animal.

How fast can moose run through snow?

Certainly, the terrain does play a role in influencing the speed of various animals. Yet, moose aren’t deterred by snow the way some creatures would be. From my many winter observation trips in the Tundra, I can assure you that a moose can maintain its regular run speed even when moving through snow. Yes, even under such challenging conditions, these impressive animals can reach speeds up to 35 mph.

Are moose fast or slow?

Although they may appear lumbering and clumsy, one cannot afford to underestimate the speed of a moose. Despite their large size and slightly ungainly gait, moose can sprint through their forest home at a swift pace—reaching speeds up to 35 mph. And it’s not only their land speed that’s impressive; their swimming prowess is quite notable as well. Moose are highly adept swimmers and have been known to traverse long distances in water. From my experiences studying wildlife patterns, the agility and speed of the moose never fails to impress me. It certainly contradicts their seemingly lumbering appearance.