Mainland moose in Nova Scotia

The mainland moose population is estimated at 1,000 animals or less.

The mainland moose is listed as an endangered species under the Nova Scotia Endangered Species Act.

Threats to the mainland moose population include disease (i.e. P. tenius, or brainworm), illegal kill (i.e. poaching), calf predation by black bears, habitat alteration and increased access, disturbance and possibly climate change and acid rain. Moose cannot be legally hunted on the mainland. Because there is a conservation concern, Mi’kmaq harvesters are not permitted to hunt the animal on the mainland. The last legal season for hunting moose on the mainland was in 1936 in the western end of the province and in 1981 in the eastern end.

Moose breed in September/ October, this period is commonly referred to as “the rut.” Calves are born approximately eight months later, in late May/Early June. Moose produce either a single or twin calf each year. Moose are herbivores. They consume pondweed, and twigs and leaves from such trees as sugar maple, red maple, yellow birch and balsam fir.

In an unhunted population such as the mainland moose, the average lifespan is between 10 and 13 years of age.

Bull (male) moose have antlers, not horns. Bovines grow horns, which are permanent, unbranched structures that grow from the base. Antlers grow from the tip and are shed in January/ February each year.

In a bull’s prime (usually between the ages of five and 12) new, often larger antlers grow back in late spring/early summer. They grow under velvet until September when the velvet is rubbed off on branches and the new antlers are revealed.

Source: Nova Scotia DNR