Moose-Watching Advice | How, When & Where to Spot a Moose in New England

Moose are more than mere players in New England’s ecosystem; in terms of tourism, they’re a star attraction. Where do moose live? What’s the best way to see a moose? Here’s some moose-watching advice from regional experts on how to spot one of these iconic animals for yourself.

Learn More: Don’t miss the March/April 2018 Yankee feature, “Ghosts of the Northern Forest.” From the heart of moose country, it tells a story about who wins and who loses in our rapidly changing climate.

New England Moose-Watching Advice The Animal That People Want to See the Most

• Moose-watching is best done by car—just don’t stop too close to them or get out of the vehicle. Remember: These are wild animals and always should be treated with respect and caution.
• The best time for moose-watching is in mid-May through July, when they move into open wetlands to feed. Like most members of the deer family, moose are crepuscular, meaning they’re most active at dawn and twilight.
• Keep your eyes peeled for bogs and wetlands, where moose tend to hang out. They’re also drawn to salt licks, which is why many prime moose-spotting routes have areas where road salt runoff has built up.
• If you’re hoping to spot a moose in New Hampshire, try looking along Route 16 north of Milan; Route 26 east of Dixville Notch; Route 112 east from Lincoln to Bear Notch Road; and Route 110 north of Berlin to Route 110A.
• For moose in Vermont, you may have luck on Route 114 in Canaan and East Burke; Route 105 from Island Pond to Canaan; and the viewing platform at Route 105 and Notch Pond Road in North Brunswick.
• How about where to see moose in Maine? The moose population in Maine is among the biggest in the U.S., which means this state has entire regions worth checking out: Western Lakes and Mountains, Kennebec Valley, Maine Highlands, and Aroostook County.
• And of course you can always rely on professional tour guides, such as Gorham Moose Tours in Gorham, NH (gorhammoosetours.org), and Northwoods Outfitters in Greenville, ME (maineoutfitter.com).

Research by Heather Tourgee. Sources: Wendy Bolduc, Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife; Susan Warner, Vermont Fish and Wildlife; Katelyn White, NH Grand