So You Wanna See a Moose?
Visitors to Yellowstone are often disappointed that they weren't able to see a moose in the park. That's because the population declined steeply following the fires of 1988. Fortunately, staying in Island Park means your moose viewing opportunities are way better. I've included information below about habitat and other things you can learn about moose to aid in finding them.
Know Moose Habitat
While moose are herbivores like other hooved forest animals, it's not very likely to find them grazing in the same areas. Moose prefer leaves, buds and barks of trees and shrubs, as opposed to grasses in fields. Willow shrubs and aspens are the primary diet of moose. Moose will also feed on aquatic vegetation in ponds and streams (like that found at Big Springs or Icehouse Creek). Therefore, when looking for moose, search the ecosystems that support them such as wetlands, stream beds, marshy areas in lakes and ponds, and in areas with river bottom bushes, willows and deciduous trees such as aspens. The few ties you might be able to spot moose in open areas are in those rich in Antelope butterfish because they enjoy eating them. In the winter they can be found in waters produced by year-round springs, as the water temperatures are above freezing and doesn't freeze. They also browse on fir trees and bark in the winter months.
Time of Day Matters
Many would believe that moose are nocturnal, when in fact, they're primarily diurnal. The reason they are found more frequently during dawn or dusk relates more to their temperature control than it does to their sleeping habits. Moose are far more prone to overheating than other species of hooved animals. Moose can't sweat like some animals to help them cool off and their dark coats can make them very warm as they absorb heat from the sun. In addition, they eat nearly 3 times as much as a bison. Their metabolism warms their bodies making them hotter as well. The heat produced by their digestive systems means a moose runs much hotter than a bison. A bison, even with their thick, dark coats, can sit outside in 85-degree Fahrenheit sun all day, but a moose would keel over dead from heat stroke in a few hours. So, moose are usually hidden from view during the warmer time of day, seeking the cool shade or soaking in cold water. This is also another primary reason looking for moose near bodies of water increases your chances of seeing one.