Winter behavior of moose in central Sweden

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Abstract
We studied the social behaviour of moose (Alces alces alces) in central Sweden during late winter in 1983 and 1984. We observed 119 groups during 797 pair-hours. Moose formed temporary groups (.hivin.X = 3.4 moose) where individual distances were 50 m or less. Most feeding and resting activities in multimembered groups were synchronized. Grouped moose interacted agonistically at a mean rate of 0.18 interactions per pair-hour. Group associations and interaction rates were dependent on the sex class of moose involved. A concentrated food site of naturally occurring browse did not increase interaction rates or group sizes. No one sex class won interactions at a higher rate than any other. Common threatening actions of moose were lowering the head, positioning the ears downward, and looking directly at and moving towards an opponent. Common losing responses were positioning the ears backward, lowering the head, looking away, and stepping away from an instigator.

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