Why Dogs Cause Moose To Attack Humans

When hiking out in nature, most people would tell you their greatest fear is a tiger or a bear. 

While these creatures are indeed scary and tend to be quite aggressive or at least defensive, you’re statistically more likely to have a deadly encounter with a moose. 

Moose aren’t more aggressive than bears or tigers, but they’re much more common, and equally powerful if they choose to attack. 

In today’s post, we’re going to cover why you’re more likely to die from moose than bears, and also why most moose attacks are caused by the presence of dogs. 

To watch the video version of this post complete with fascinating moose footage & some moose encounters, click HERE now. 

You can also download the pest-free podcast by clicking the download button above. 

Moose Attacks 

We previously wrote a deep post on moose attacks and what to do, but the quick summary is that moose are significantly more common than bears, and can sometimes be defensive or aggressive. 

Most of the time moose will not be in a bad mood, and will simply leave or otherwise be peaceful. 

However, during mating season or if young are nearby, moose will be more aggressive and more likely to perceive threats. 

Unlike deer, moose are NOT afraid of humans. While they don’t WANT a confrontation, they won’t back down from one at all. 

Dogs vs. Moose

In most deadly attacks caused by moose, the presence of dogs are there as well. 

In fact, without a dog you are not too likely to have a dangerous encounter with a moose. 

However, many people exploring nature will be doing so with a dog, or you will be in the presence of other humans that are bringing a pet dog. 

Moose hate wolves, and they perceive dogs as wolves. Wolves are a threat to moose, and especially their young, so that’ll become extremely angry and aggressive at the presence of wolves. 

Dogs are typically friendly and curious creatures, and normally will run up to the moose, bark, and then run back to the humans, which causes the moose to charge not just the dog but also the humans! 

The barking from the dog is perceived by moose as an attack call, so it will then immediately view you, the dog, and any other humans or animals as aggressive creatures that are trying to hunt the moose and/or their young and mates. 

If you’re in an area that is known to have moose, it’s important to keep your dog on a tight leash and not let it stray too far out. 

In the event that a moose is spotted, the dog should be restrained immediately, and you should leave the area as soon as possible and as quickly as possible. 

Again, moose are unlikely to randomly attack humans; nearly every attack involves the presence of a dog, but with the presence of a dog moose will become extremely aggressive and may endanger you and your pet! 

Unlike bears, you can run away quickly from a moose and it won’t trigger an attack. 

When spotting a moose with your pet dog, leave immediately, and if you spot a moose and there’s a random dog nearby (ie. another person’s), then it’s suggested you leave the area immediately and alert the others to the danger while fleeing. 

Summary

Moose are generally friendlier and more peaceful than bears, however the threat of a moose attack is actually greater because you are much more likely to encounter one. 

Moose do not fear humans, but do not normally instigate attacks. However, the presence of dogs will turn the moose extremely aggressive, as it can’t perceive the difference between wolves and dogs. 

In this case the natural dog behavior often triggers the moose to attack not just the dog but the human. In the majority of moose attacks, there is the presence of at least one dog. 

It’s highly advised to be aware of the presence of moose/dogs, and prevent such an encounter from occurring. If an encounter happens, leave as soon as possible. 

Wildlife x Team

If you think that you have a wildlife or pest infestation inside of your home, call us and let the experts handle it for you! 

We specialize in safe & responsible removal of wildlife & pests, and return them to the wild far away from your home whenever possible. 

We also restore any damage that may have been caused, and prevent the infestation from ever happening again. 

Contact us to get your free inspection report now: 

www.wildlifexteam.com
855-WILDLIFE

Thanks! 
-Wildlife x Team International 

Submit a Comment

* Required Field
Offering
  • Pest X Team Logo
  • Junk X Team Logo
  • X Team Services Logo
  • X Team Bird Control Logo
  • Gutter X Team Logo
  • Mosquito X Team Logo
As Featured on These Networks & Affiliates
  • Apple News Logo
  • Fox Logo
Affiliations:
  • Elite Service Logo
  • National Pest Management Association Logo
  • NWCOA Logo
  • If you have raccoons in your attic, garage, or other areas of your home, call Wildlife X Team® at (817) 431-3007 today! Wildlife X Team are experts in raccoon removal and exclusion services.
  • Squirrel problems are rampant nationally. Squirrels can cause extensive damage in and around homes, including soiling floors and walls. Squirrels don't stand a chance against Wildlife X Team®'s trained professional staff.
  • Rodent problems are common for homeowners, but Wildlife X Team® can help you prevent rodents from getting in your walls or your attic. Keep rodents out of your home by calling today!
  • Removing and relocating bats is best left to professionals, as bats will bite and scratch if threatened. If you see signs of bats on your property or want to know how to get rid of bats from your attic and chimney, please call Wildlife X Team® at (817) 431-3007.
  • Although armadillos have no reason to get into houses, there is a lot of damage armadillos can cause. Their diet consists mostly of grubs and insects, but when they burrow, it can affect the very structure of buildings. Call Wildlife X Team® today!
  • Whether you are facing a snake infestation on your property or just notice a single snake, call (817) 431-3007 at Wildlife X Team® today. Most snakes are harmless, some are venomous, and we can remove all kinds of snakes safely and quickly.
  • Birds can add a lot of enjoyment to the outdoor experience, but sometimes they cause trouble. If you're having an issue with problem birds like pigeons, starlings, or sparrows, give Wildlife X Team® a call at (817) 431-3007.
  • At Wildlife X Team®, we offer worry-free opossum removal and trapping. We can also repair any opossum damage.
  • Infamous for their defense mechanism, skunks are smelly creatures. This unique critter releases a scent to ward off predators and stay safe, and it smells offensive and can be dangerous.
  • Coyotes, a relative of the canine, are known for terrorizing livestock, and even household pets. Coyotes are often active at night, and homeowners often report the howling cries of these medium-sized creatures.
  • Badgers are notorious for having a bite that rivals their bark — despite their less-than-formidable size! Badgers have been known to fight animals as large as a bear!
  • Beaver damage is primarily to landscapes like riverbeds and lakesides. If you discover beaver damage in your property, call Wildlife X Team® at (817) 431-3007 to help relocate beavers and repair any damages caused by these flat-tailed critters.
  • Nocturnal creatures, bobcats will take down any prey necessary, especially livestock. Bobcats are territorial and will often return to the property they have claimed as their own, especially if there is a steady food source.
  • Chipmunks can be annoying and clever creatures, but they're no match for Wildlife X Team®. We offer chipmunk removal, and chipmunk damage repair services, plus we know how to keep chipmunks from coming back!
  • Fox landscape damage and feeding behaviors can affect homeowners' safety, so it's important to not approach a fox if you see one in the wild or on your property. Wildlife X Team® offers fox removal, fox trapping, and fox prevention. Call today!
  • Lizards, similar in appearance to snakes, can be frightening if you spot one in the wild or in your home, and although they don't typically attack residents, it's still good to not approach lizards.
  • Mole damage is most commonly found on landscapes, and sometimes humans don't even come into contact with them, but they definitely experience mole damage.
  • If you have discovered scorpion(s) in your garden or on your property, call us today for scorpion removal services.
  • Voles are not often spotted by humans, but vole damage is visible. For vole trapping, vole removal, and vole damage repair services, call Wildlife X Team® today!
  • Infestations of bugs are common, so if you are facing an insect infestation, don't panic—we can help kill insects and get rid of them inside and outside your home.
  • Wild hog trapping and wild hog prevention are the most effective means of wild hog removal. Due to the aggressive nature of wild hogs, we do not recommend DIY wild hog trapping.
  • Termite infestations are common inside homes and on properties, so if you are dealing with insects, call Wildlife X Team® at (817) 431-3007 today to get rid of your termite problem fast and effectively!
  • Bee and wasp infestations are common, so if you are facing a stinging insect infestation, don't panic — we can help get rid of them inside and outside your home.
About
Wildlife X Team is rapidly becoming the leader in the nuisance wildlife control industry. We lead the way in the development of technology, education, products and services in Wildlife Management.
Read More About Us
100% Financing
SuperMoney offers 100% financing up to $100,000 and 30 second approvals. You'll fill out one easy form and get competing pre-approved loan offers back in real time.
Apply Now
Wildlife X Team offers an exclusive Wildlife Inspection Report® which includes commonly overlooked areas where wildlife can enter and infest your home.
Project: Control or Eliminate Rodents
They did an excellent job. They worked quickly and efficiently and had the job finished in no time. They are very courteous and professional and easy to work with. They also guaranteed their work for three years.
Jay W., Arlington, TX