Threats to the Moose
Due to their size, healthy, adult moose have few natural predators. Large brown bears, or grizzlies, are a potential threat. However, the habitation range of bears that size is much smaller than that of moose. Black bears and wolves are serious threats to calves and in some areas cause fatal results for a relatively high proportion of offspring, in spite of valiant defensive actions by cows. The most serious life-threatening disease is called brainworm, a parasite carried by white-tailed deer. While the parasite apparently does not affect deer, it is excreted in their droppings. Organisms feeding on droppings find their way to browse and are unknowingly consumed by moose. The parasite inflicts usually fatal damage to the moose nervous system.
Moose face an unnatural threat only from human actions. Hunting, loss of habitat, chemicals and accidental fires may impact moose populations. However, moose also have many human allies working hard to guarantee future generations will be able to see and appreciate this magnificent animal.