Moose or Elk Featured in
Moose (North American version, widely spread in the Yellowstone National Park) or Elk (Eurasian version populating large areas in Finland, Norway, Sweden, Latvia, and Estonia) is the largest species of the deer family. They are the most active during the day but they can also be quite elusive. The best time to spot a huge deer in Norway's wilderness is right after sunset. To see them through the twilight you will need a spotlight.
September marks the beginning of their mating season, when polygamous male elks become extremely aggressive fighting for females. Mating season is followed by a gestation period which lasts for 8 months. So, the best time to observe a peaceful picture of a female moose with her calf is definitely in the summer. Yet, some wildlife lovers chase them during spring and or fall migrations.
If you crave for spotting the iconic animal in the wild, a reasonable option is to stay for the night in the moose observation tower Elgtårnet, in Espedalen valley, Elgland. It's located 40 ft (12 m) above the so-called “moose highway”. The area west of Lake Mjøsa and the Gudbrandsdalen valley sees up to 700 elks during their spring and fall migrations. However, even if you miss the great wanderings, you can still spot a wild moose there all year round. Also, you'll like a moose safari on E-bike starting from Dombås through the Dovrefjell mountains. Some companies offer elk safari tours at Buksnesfjord in northern Norway.
If you prefer a close and friendly encounter, you can visit one of Norway's animal parks, namely the famous moose park Elgtun in Bygland or Kristiansand Zoo, and Amusement Park in southernmost Norway. Consider also Langedrag Nature Park in Hallingdal, Norwegian Moose Center in Stor-Elvdal, the Namsskogan Family Park in Trøndelag, and Polar Park in Narvik.
