Certainly, you want to see a moose. They’re the tallest mammals in North America and magnificent to behold. But tracking one down isn’t easy. Even though they’re huge—a bull moose can be about six feet tall and weigh well over 1,000 pounds—they’re surprisingly stealthy and don’t usually travel in a herd. Moose are most active at sunup and sundown, and you’ll likely find them near wetlands and wading in muddy bogs and marshes.
If you’re lucky enough to spot one, remember: keep a safe distance, stay quiet, and try to stay out of sight. “More often than not, most people will encounter moose in a vehicle. Pull over and give the moose space,” says Steven Tatko, the Appalachian Mountain Club’s director of Maine conservation and land management and a frequent moose spotter. “Moose are not aggressive, but they are easily spooked.” Here are the prime places to start your search, depending on your activity preference.