WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT NOCTURNAL ACTIVITY OF MOOSE?

Abstract

Study of activity and behavior of moose (Alces alces) has generally been undertaken during daylight hours because research at night is logistically complicated. However, some believe that moose are as or more active at night than day, thus, the amount and content of research about moose activity could be considered diurnally-biased. We conducted a review of the literature to determine what is known regarding nocturnal activity of moose and found that only 2.2% of all articles published about moose activity and behavior refer to nocturnal activity. Studies designed specifically to document nocturnal activity were mostly related to moose-vehicle collisions and use of mineral licks. Recent and increased use of GPS radio-collars will provide more and easier opportunities to distinguish and analyze diurnal and nocturnal activity of moose. Such information is important to understand better a variety of aspects of moose behavior and activity including predator-prey interactions, influence of human disturbances, relationships among habitat use, thermal stress, and climate change.