Are you curious about the cost of owning a moose?
It can be challenging to determine the cost of owning a moose since they are not commonly sold as domesticated animals.
However, it is believed that the animal’s value alone would range from $1000 to $5000.
This estimate excludes expenses related to providing a suitable environment, food, and medical attention.
Despite not being domesticated, some wonder about the cost of owning a moose at 1,400 pounds.
The expenses of owning a moose go beyond the monetary cost.
Related Reading: How Much Meat Do You Get from a Moose? [4 VARIABLES]
Table of Contents
Cost of Owning a Moose (More Than Money)
It is not advisable to keep a moose as a pet, even if it is legal in your country. There are several reasons why it can be a bad idea, which we can discuss individually.
It Is Illegal To Own A Moose As A Pet
It is important to note that keeping a moose as a pet is illegal in most states in the U.S.
This is because moose are not domesticated animals and are very wild in nature.
The purpose of these laws is to protect both people and moose from harm. It also aims to prevent irresponsible individuals from mistreating these animals.
They Are Dangerous
Even though they are herbivores, these giants possess immense strength that matches their huge size.
It’s said that a single kick from them can be deadly. In fact, there is a rumor that a moose once managed to kill a brown bear with just one kick.
The danger is the high cost of owning a moose.
This demonstrates the kind of force they possess, which could be dangerous for humans as well. If a moose’s kick can take down a bear, then it’s clear that humans stand no chance against them.
Moose Size
Moose are easily recognizable for their imposing size.
They can weigh up to 1400 pounds and can grow as tall as 10 feet.
In addition to their impressive height, they also possess incredible strength.
All of these qualities make them one of the largest members of the cow family.
Moose Appetite
It’s important to keep in mind that moose weighs around 1400 pounds.
Such a massive body requires a lot of food to build and maintain.
Moose can consume up to 50 pounds of foliage per day, which means that a moose as a pet can be quite expensive. This is a considerable cost to owning a moose.
If you can’t afford to provide that much food for your pet, it’s best to reconsider the idea of having a moose as a pet.
Keeping a moose as a pet is dangerous and impractical, but adopting one is a more affordable option.
Not Domesticated
While moose are related to cows, they are not domesticated animals and do not simply graze in fields.
In fact, they require a large area of land, approximately 50 square miles, to roam.
To thrive, they need access to grass, trees, and water within their environment.
Cost of Adopting A Moose
Donating to a charity to take care of orphaned moose is called adopting a moose.
By paying a certain amount, ranging from $30 to $1000, you can adopt a moose and visit them in the fields where they are taken care of.
Let’s explore the different costs involved with moose, including hunting trips and moose cheese.
Cost of Moose Hunting
The cost of moose hunting varies depending on your preferred hunting location and whether you opt for a guided or non-guided hunt.
In a guided hunt, you will be accompanied by an experienced guide who will direct you on the hunt.
On the other hand, a non-guided hunt is when you embark on the hunt alone, without any guidance.
For instance:
- A Canadian guided hunt costs between $3000 and $5000
- A Canadian unguided hunt can go up to over $10,000.
- An Alaskan-guided moose hunt costs around $19,500
- An Alaskan unguided moose hunt is $5000 – $10,000
It depends on the hunting area and whether you want a guide.
The cheapest moose hunts are found in Eastern Europe, European Russia, and the Baltic countries.
While a Canadian hunt can cost up to $5000, a hunt in these countries, when currency is converted, can be around $1000 to $1500.
Cost of Moose Dairy
Commercial production of moose milk and cheese, also known as elk milk, occurs in Canada, Russia, and Sweden.
The milk produced by moose is very rich in butterfat, with a concentration of 10%, and solids at 21.5%.
The lactation period of moose is from June to August, and the quality of milk depends on the nutrients the animal receives.
At the beginning of lactation, the milk has the least amount of fat, but the fat concentration increases over the first 25 days.
This 25-day period is when the milk is considered to be at its best.
After that, its nutritional content begins to drop. Compared to cow milk, it is much more nutritionally rich, containing more minerals including:
- Zinc
- Selenium
- Aluminium
- Iron.
Moose cheese is considered one of the most expensive cheeses and ingredients in the world.
The thickness of the cheese makes it incredibly challenging to milk, and even more challenging to make into cheese.
As a result, the production process for moose cheese is very complex and time-consuming.
Moose only yield 300 kg of cheese annually, making it expensive at $1000/kg ($455/lb).
Continue Reading: Does It Hurt When Moose Shed Velvet?
Conclusion
Moose are massive animals that are not suitable as pets due to their size and potential danger.
It would be expensive to keep one as a pet, considering the cost of the animal itself, its habitat, food, and veterinary care.
However, you can adopt a moose for a much lower cost and with greater safety. This helps to protect orphaned moose and is a much better option than trying to keep one as a pet.
I hope you enjoyed this purely theoretical article on owning a moose. Let’s keep moose on the loose and appreciate their importance to the ecosystem.
Enjoy living the outdoor life!!!