Summer Observations on Moose Behavior in Ontario

Abstract

Various aspects of the biology of moose in Ontario were studied during the summers of 1952, 1953 and 1955. The present paper concerns itself with vocal and social behavior, reactions to disturbances, food habits, and the influence of weather on movements. Data on moose movements, sex and age ratios, antler development and shedding of winter hair have been presented elsewhere (de Vos, 1956). An area in the center of the Chapleau Crown Game Preserve, seldom visited by humans, was chosen for this study since it is preferable that observations be carried on without undue disturbance to the moose. Studies were restricted to Little Missinaibi Lake (Fig. 1), ideal for extensive moose observations because its numerous arms make possible frequent extended trips by canoe. The lake is generally shallow, providing large quantities of aquatic vegetation in its various sections. The local moose population has been at or around carrying capacity level for some years, as evidenced by heavy browsing pressure which has existed on various palatable trees and shrub species close to the lake for some time. Fig. 1 Map showing an arm of Little Missinaibi Lake where observations were made in 1952, 1953, 1955 and 1956. The correlation between moose occurrence and abundance of aquatic vegetation is clearly indicated. Insert shows the entire lake. It should be emphasized that the behavior data were collected as a sideline to the data already reported upon. It is fully realized that more fact-finding should be undertaken in order to come forth with statements, based on data of a more quantitative nature. Methods .—Daily trips were made by canoe along various arms of the lake from a base camp. To avoid undue disturbance of the animals, no one arm, except the one on which this camp was situated, was visited more frequently than once every …