A day spent in the calming presence of wildlife and nature is always soothing for the mind, body and soul.
Whether you are in an automobile or on foot, going for moose sightings is always a treat.
Vermont is known to have various sites where moose sightings can actually be experienced and enjoyed to the fullest.
Originating from the deer family, the moose are considered to be the tallest mammals in North America; they are the biggest members of the deer family itself.
They are known for their strength and ability to run extremely fast.
It is important to note that they tend to get quite territorial, aggressive and defensive if threatened.
Thereby, it is always a good idea to be cautious and not go too close to them.
The experience of seeing these majestic creatures striving in their natural habitat is a sight worth witnessing.
The best way to get such an experience is to head over to the beauty of Vermont.
This is because Vermont has developed several sites to provide moose sighting experiences and tours for visitors.
Therefore, if moose sighting is on your itinerary this year, there is no need to go anywhere else.
This article is going to tell you about the 10 best places where you can see a moose in Vermont.
So pack your bags for Vermont, and get ready to be mesmerized by large herds of moose right in front of your eyes!
Top 10 Best Places to See a Moose in Vermont
1. Wetlands of the Northeast Kingdom
With plains all around you, the beautiful nature of the wetlands of the Northeast Kingdom is a sight for sore eyes.
Since moose like such wet and dense natural habitats, the Northeast Kingdom has several routes dedicated to this.
These include:
- Route 114 between East Burke and Caanan
- Route 105 which is between Island Pond to Bloomfield
Moose will most probably make an appearance in these areas after rain in late spring, summer or even fall.
If you are truly looking forward to an exciting experience, look for them immediately after the melting of snow.
If you plan to visit this area, it is important to keep an ear out for a moose call during mating periods.
Moreover, if you truly want to immerse yourself in moose sightings in Vermont, you should also consider checking the West Mountain and Victory Basin Wildlife Management Areas.
2. Underhill
Many people have reported moose sightings in this area.
The town is absolutely breathtaking with its scenic beauty.
It is no wonder that moose find comfort in wandering in this area every now and then.
Moose sightings are indeed quite rare.
If you are determined to see them, you might need some luck as well.
Certain clues, like teeth marks on striped maple tree trunks, will indicate that a moose has been in the same vicinity.
Remember that Vermont may give you the opportunity to see these huge creatures, but you still need to be careful while trying to spot them here.
For instance, you want to make sure they do not smell or see you since then they will want to get away from you.
So stay upwind and out of sight.
3. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge
The chances of casually bumping into a moose in Vermont are quite slim.
You want to go to a place where there have been sightings before.
This will give you a higher probability of your path crossing with them.
The general view is that moose can be sighted in Northern Vermont’s Silvio Conte National Wildlife Refuge.
Moose can camouflage with the landscape so well that it becomes quite difficult for you to get a decent look, or even detect them properly.
If you do find them in this area, do not make any sudden moves since you do not want to frighten them or lead them to charge at you.
4. Island Pond
The people interested in camping and enjoying the wonders nature has to offer know that these exciting experiences are incomplete without animal sightings.
So if you are preparing to go to a lodge near Island Pond or to Lakeside Camping, make sure your camera is always ready!
It is extremely likely for a moose to be in the same vicinity.
Moose prefer this area due to the lush nature and the abundance of food and water that is easily accessible to them.
Additionally, this spot is a prime example of a place where these clever mammals can truly feel safe.
So if you do come across a moose herd, remember that the last thing you want to do is jeopardize the environment of Island Pond – a place where they truly feel secure enough to visit repeatedly.
5. Half Moon Pond
You will not be surprised to see a moose visiting this Vermont State Park and its tall trees.
Put your deduction skills to use – if you find out that hobblebush flower buds appear as if they have nibbled on, you know that a moose decided to grace the area with its presence.
It is better to plan your activities accordingly if seeing a moose is a definite on your agenda.
That is, if you decide to take a stroll with the hope that you will randomly come across a moose here, you are likely to end up being disappointed.
Instead, talk to a travel advisor or a tour guide in the area and ask them about the trail that has seen the most moose sightings.
A planned hike in the Half Moon Pond just might allow you to see a moose with your very own eyes instead of the lens of another.
6. Branbury Pond
Moose are generally accepted to be great at swimming, so it makes sense that they consider the Branbury Pond an occasional visiting spot.
Also, they are prone to overheating which makes this place a great choice for them to get relief from the heat with the cool shade and water.
This place is no less of a treat for you either. It guarantees a good time with its incredibly bewitching natural and scenic beauty.
It also has many recreational facilities available to pass the time as you wait for a moose to show itself.
7. Kettle Pond
The Kettle Pond is a Vermont State Park. It is a great place if you are an animal enthusiast or a photographer looking to capture something new and exciting.
Visitors who come here to fish may end up being greeted by the presence of a moose by the time they are done with the day’s catch.
With boulders covered in rich green moss, moose like to visit the Kettle Pond.
This place is known for having everything that this mammal prefers for its diet.
Furthermore, it is known for emanating a sense of safety and security unlike any other.
Therefore, natural elements in this area make the moose sighting an amazing experience for both the human and the animal.
The Kettle Pond is definitely worth a visit if all your other moose sighting attempts have failed.
8. Ricker Pond
This is yet another Vermont State Park. You should visit the beautiful Ricker Pond if you are keen for a moose sighting unlike another.
This is because many lucky people have reported to have seen a moose at the dam. It seems pretty exciting when you see nothing but a shape bulging out of the water, and lo and behold, it turns out to be a mighty moose!
If nothing else, an individual is going to be extremely surprised if they go for a swim and see a moose coming up from beneath them.
We might save this for all the Disney movies out there, but that does not make the Ricker Pond any less of an attraction for the moose herds.
9. Burlington, Vermont
The city of Burlington is considered to be the most populous in the state of Vermont.
This factor alone makes moose sightings very rare since moose are generally considered to be rather isolated mammals.
They prefer to occupy the greener parts of Vermont.
However, when a rare moose does make an appearance, it is definitely worth seeing this graceful mammal go about its business in the hustle and bustle of the city.
Whenever a moose makes an entrance in this city by wandering in unexpectedly, the event is usually covered by the news.
If this does not indicate how exciting it is to see a moose in Burlington, we do not know what will.
10. Mount Worcester
Mount Worcester is the place you go to if you want to get an actual experience of mount hiking.
With stunning wild flower and plants, this place has also witnessed a lot of moose sightings.
It is not a wetland, but the trail itself is quite wet and soft in some areas so the moose scat and footprints across the trail are easily visible.
Many consider that Mount Worcester trail has welcomed more moose than people.
This might be due to the difficult terrain, the muddiness and downed trees.
However, it is quite a thrilling experience in itself to trudge alongside a moose herd here.
For those who are constantly looking for an adventure and want to experience the true excitement of life and nature, this is definitely the best option out there.
Conclusion
With huge antlers and an incredibly strong body, moose can move easily through deep snow and even collapsed trees.
Hence, the best place to visit them is the one closest to their natural environment.
You have a lot of options available since moose opt for different environments and habitats in summer and winter.
You are likely to find them in Vermont in the places listed above since these offer the perfect source of food which is full of essentials like calcium and sodium.
Most of these places also have a water source as well.
As already expressed, these water sources are extremely important to moose since they are exceptionally vulnerable to overheating.
Therefore, if you go to Vermont and visit these places, keep a special eye out near the water sources since the moose are likely to make an appearance there.
We would recommend the Mount Worcester route since the exhilaration combined with the spectacular view of a moose sight is certainly a wonderful feeling.
So, are you interested in hiking or do you want to incorporate a moose sighting in your camping?
Or perhaps you’re looking forward to a vacation where you can relax by a water body, fish to your heart’s content and end your day with a moose sighting?
Check out the places on our list and you won’t be disappointed!
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Marianne says
saw a moose on I15 around midnight this morning driving through Underhill. thankfully, he was standing in the other lane!