A full grown moose in Maine

Before you read this article, full disclosure: I’m “from away,” as Mainers put it—having only moved to Maine 8 years ago—and my only experience with moose sightings has been through a fence at the Maine Wildlife Park in Gray, Maine (which, by the way, is a sure-fire way to see one of these majestic beasts).

But know that it is only for lack of trying, because, as many true Mainers will vouch, you only need to put in a bit of time and effort.

Moose Minutiae

The official state mammal of Maine, moose feature long, skinny legs and massive bodies with surprisingly short necks—which is why you won’t spot these herbivores grazing like horses or cows.

You may see them, however, munching on “browse” (leaves and the tender shoots of trees and shrubbery) as well as wading chest-deep in their search for aquatic plants (for their high sodium content)—up to 35 pounds every day, in fact.

All of this food energy is sorely needed because moose—which are members of the deer family—can run up to 35 miles per hour and swim 10 miles.

Except for springtime, when they are shedding their heavy winter coats, moose sport dark brown fur and large humps at the tops of their shoulders.

An adult moose averages 7 feet high and 9 feet long; males (bulls) have black faces and typically weigh around 1,100 pounds, while females (cows) have brown faces and usually weigh in around 840 pounds.

Depending on the season, don’t rely on antlers to reveal the gender of a moose: Bulls regrow antlers every year starting in the spring in preparation for the mating season (or the “rut” season, which is from the end of September through early October) and then shed them at the beginning of the winter season.

Female moose splashes water as she walks through the swamp, with food hanging from her mouth.

Where can I see Moose In Maine?

As you can imagine, for every Mainer you pose this question to, you could get a half-dozen different answers. Maine is a big state with lots of wilderness to explore; if you have a fair amount of time on your hands and enjoy the great outdoors, you can opt for seeking out these beautiful mammals on your own—just be sure to follow the Maine Department of Fish and Wildlife’s safety guidelines—namely, keep your distance.

These are wild animals, folks—don’t become the star of one of those viral internet reels of ignorant tourists getting knocked senseless (or worse) by frightened wildlife. And, if you would rather leave the moose-seeking to a professional, the Pine Tree State has plenty of tour options to choose from, as well.

Finding Moose on Your Own

Get out your GPS (be sure to download maps before you get out into the willywags where signal can be sketchy at best), pack a picnic lunch, and bring a camera with a good zoom lens (remember—KEEP YOUR DISTANCE) before setting out for one of these Maine locales, all of where many moose mages claim you’re bound to experience several sightings.

Plan your outings for early morning or early evening from the middle of May through the end of July (or during the rut), when your quarry is most active; they love to frequent meadows and marshy, boggy areas.

  1. Depending on where you’re coming from and how much time you’ve allotted for this adventure, Moose Alley is pretty much on every “where to see moose in Maine” list. Start in Fairfield, Maine, and head north along State Route 201 to Jackman…or keep going to the Canadian border, if you wish (and have your passport).

    Also known as the Old Canada Road National Scenic Byway, you’ll find plenty to do and see (other than moose-spotting), including hiking trails and just enough tourist amenities to keep you fed and comfortable.

  2. If you’re up in the northern region already, be sure to head west to the Rangeley Lakes Region and onward up State Route 16 to Eustis and beyond via State Route 27.

    The latter takes you by Bigelow Preserve (home to many fantastic hikes with moose-spotting potential) and Flagstaff Lake, which are prime moose habitats.

  3. The woods and backcountry roads of the Moosehead Lake Region are rife with the lake’s namesake; it is said there are more moose than people in the area. For a sure-fire sighting, load up on supplies from Greenville at the southern tip of the lake—and then drive about 25 minutes northeast to Kokadjo.

    Don’t be alarmed when the pavement turns to dirt; just follow the road over the bridge to Lazy Tom’s Bog, where those in the know all but promise that you’ll see what you came for.

  4. You’ll have options when moose-watching in Baxter State Park.

    Seek out logging roads off of the Golden Road, or head to the Roaring Brook Campground trailhead, which leads to Sandy Stream Pond; you can also rent a canoe at Trout Brook Campground, where you can paddle along and hopefully catch sight of a moose munching in Matagamon Lake.

  5. Aroostook County is a popular moose hangout, and whether you prefer to see them from the car or on foot, you’ll have options.

    Take a leisurely drive at dusk or dawn along State Route 11—or get out your hiking gear and head to The Moose Loop Trail that begins and ends in Presque Isle.

Large bull moose walking in grass by forest

Moose-Spotting Tours

Also known as “Moose Safaris,” these professionally-run outings are the way to go if you don’t mind dipping into your wallet. You’ll have an excellent chance of seeing more moose this way than on your own—comfortably, safely, and for far less effort.

Here are just a few reputable businesses that will help your moose-sighting dreams become a reality:

  1. The cheerful, polite guides at Northwoods Outfitters are brimming with know-how and expert tracking skills; this company has been offering tours for over 10 years with over 1,000 sightings per year under their belt.

    Northwoods Outfitters, 5 Lily Bay Road, Greenville

  2. North Country Rivers offers moose tours seasonally from mid-May through mid-September; tour guides recommend booking your tour for a weekday, for higher chances of sightings (maybe the moose work remotely on weekends?).

    North Country Rivers, 36 Main Street, Bingham

  3. If you’re in the Katahdin Region, give the folks at Moose Woods Guide Service a call. Whether you’re looking for a quick trip or a personalized, week-long outing, this group of Registered Maine Guides has over 125 years of combined experience in the field.

    Moose Woods Guide Service, LLC, 70 Spruce Street, Millinocket

  4. For guided moose excursions in the Greenville and Moosehead Lake area, family-owned and -operated Special T Adventure Tours are top-notch. You’ll see moose, sure—as well as plenty of other elusive wildlife.

    Special T Adventures, 451 Moosehead Lake Road, Greenville

  5. Tailor your land tour with as much (or as little) hiking as you want at Twin Maple Outdoors. All of the Moose Safari Adventures are led by a Registered Master Maine Guide—and if you choose to go during the summer, you can also view moose by boat tours.

    Twin Maple Outdoors, 303 Williams Road, Bradford