White Mountain National Forest

Wildlife Viewing

New Hampshire woods are home to a wide variety of wildlife species. Sightings of birds, moose, deer, foxes and other wild creatures can be the highlight of any visit. Seeing wildlife takes patience and care. Remember that wild animals are unpredictable, so never approach one too closely.

MOOSE

One of the most thrilling sights in the White Mountain National Forest is the ungainly, but majestic American Moose (Alces alces). The largest member of the deer family, moose are identified by their great mass (6 feet tall at the shoulder and 1200 pounds), an overhanging snout, a bell of skin under the neck, and the huge spreading antlers of the male.

Life History

Moose are mostly active at night, but can be seen any time of the day. Most sightings occur at dusk or dawn. Though usually solitary, traveling singly or in small family units of a cow and a calf, several may gather to feed near lakes or streams. Breeding, or rutting season lasts from mid-September through October. Calves are born in May or June, and remain with their mother until next year's birthing. Twins are the norm for healthy adult cows. Moose have a life expectancy of 8 to 12 years in the wild. Some causes of death, aside from legal hunting, include collisions with cars, poaching, parasites, and malnutrition due to gum disease. Moose prefer browsing on trees and shrubs, usually maple and aspen, year round. During summer months, they eat succulent, sodium rich, aquatic vegetation in or near swamps, bogs, and wet forest edges. Permanent "wildlife openings" are cleared areas resulting from timber harvest benefit the moose by making small trees and shrubs more easily available.

Sighting a Moose

The Kancamagus Highway and northern-most sections of the White Mountain National Forest are well known for numerous moose sightings, though moose can be found throughout the forest. Although the opportunity to view a moose along the highway is exciting, please use caution when pulling off, taking care not to startle either the moose or other drivers. Be aware that this dark-colored animal does not show up well at night.

PLEASE DRIVE DEFENSIVELY!

Moose are wild animals and should be treated as such, even if they seem tame or passive. During the rutting season, bulls are unpredictable, and cows with calves are easily agitated. Viewing from your vehicle is least stressful to the moose, and the safest for you. If you should happen upon a moose in the forest, move slowly, and avoid loud noises or sudden movement. This will ensure an extended, enjoyable observation, and will prevent the moose from injuring itself or you.

Tracks and Signs

Presence of a moose is evident by its large cloven hoof prints (5-7" in length) in the mud or snow, and also by large amounts of scat; the size and shape of small eggs in winter, and the familiar "cow-pie" in summer. You may also find teeth marks on trees where bark has been stripped, and occasionally in the fall, the shredded antler velvet hanging in tattered threads from a young tree. Antlers are dropped December through April and are usually gnawed or devoured by woodland rodents for their rich calcium content. Moose have been known to eat the velvet as it sheds from the antlers.

Value

Native American and early settlers in the White Mountains depended on the moose for survival. Today they are still highly prized for their huge quantities of fine tasting meat and tremendous trophies. (The largest moose antlers known have an 81" spread!)

New Hampshire's moose population has increased markedly in the last 20 years. Wildlife managers are working toward stabilizing the growing population. These measures will ensure adequate habitat and food supply for all the moose, keeping them healthy and productive.

Moose look laid-back and complacent sometime, don't they? But, they are WILD! One glancing blow from those massive antlers could be fatal, so please keep your distance while admiring these giants!

BEARS

Black bears (Ursus americanus) are native residents of New Hampshire's woods. Wild black bears are shy and usually prefer to stay away from people. They eat whatever they find: grasses, fruits, insects and, especially in spring when other foods are scarce, human food supplies. Bears are sometimes seen in New Hampshire campgrounds. Help prevent problems for both bears and people by following these guidelines:

Please Don't Feed Bears.

Feeding allows them to associate people with food, which can lead to injuries.

Be Careful With Food Scraps.

Place all food scraps in closed containers and deposit them in campground receptacles. Don't put food scraps or grease into the campfire.

Properly Store Food.

We suggest that you s tore all food, coolers, and utensils in the trunk of your car. This may not stop bears from trying to get it, but is the safest alternative. Alternatively, you can hang your food away from your tent site, 10 feet up and 5 feet out on a tree limb that cannot support a bear.

Keep Cooking And Sleeping Areas Separate.

Change Clothing Soiled With Spilled Food.

Food odors on clothes can attract bears to your tent. Store soiled clothes in the trunk of your car.

Don't Approach Bears To Take Pictures.

Remember that bears are wild and unpredictable animals. Use a telephoto lens if you want close-up pictures.

BIRDS