A female moose will have its first calf when she is 3 years of age. Cows generally give birth every year, twin calves being born once every three years. Otherwise, a single calf is born. Giving birth to equal numbers of bull and cow calves. So, the average cow keeps giving birth until they are 14 to 18 years old. To do a bit of math. Over 14 years from one cow and her offspring, if everything is equal. Two hundred and twelve calves can be born in over 14 years. But factors such as predators, diseases, weather, hunting and road and railway accidents, end up playing a big role in the moose population.
This calf who first spotted me, was a bit nervous. As soon as I saw it was looking toward me and as well, its ears pointed toward me. I realized if I wanted to see more of the calf, I better stay put or move back. It soon relaxed and started eating the willow shrubs. As it ate and moved, the calf ended up disappearing into the shrubs. But, at no time did I see its mother. This calf was born last spring. Calves stay with their mother for at least a year and a half. Female calves can stay even longer. If this eight-month old calf was separated from its mother, perhaps predators playing a role, the chance of it reaching adulthood just got less. A healthy cow plays an important role in helping its calf survive and contribute to the ecosystem as an adult.
