About Norway’s National Animal: The Moose

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Ever wondered about the official Norway national animal? Well, let me tell you – it’s the magnificent moose!

Yup, you heard it right – the Moose, that majestic creature with big antlers, rules the wild and the hearts of Norwegians. Unofficially, though, since our government hasn’t made it official yet.

But who needs official stamps when we, the people of Norway, have spoken, right? Moose are pretty common around here, and growing up, I’ve had the pleasure of spotting quite a few in the wild.

So, you may be thinking, why the moose? Why not some fierce, majestic beast like a lion, which, fun fact, is actually on our coat of arms?

Norway National Animal: The Moose

Well, we Norwegians have a sense of humor, you see. We like to keep things real, and the moose is as real as it gets.

It’s a symbol of the quiet, unassuming strength of the Norwegian wilderness, and let’s face it, they’re fairly easy to spot around here. Plus, those antlers are pretty impressive; they’d give any crown a run for its money!

Now, let me tell you a bit about our moose. They’re not just any regular moose.

They’re the largest of all the deer species. Males can stand over 6,5 feet from hoof to shoulder. That’s taller than your average NBA player!

They roam our forests and sometimes even wander into our towns, much to the delight, and sometimes mild terror, of the locals.

One funny thing about Norway is our casualness about moose and reindeer. I once tried telling my friends in the UK about a time when a moose walked into a bank and it made the news. They all thought it was the opening of a joke.

I once saw 8 moose in an hour, when dog sledding through the forests of northern Norway!

Some Norwegian moose facts for you

• Moose are herbivores and love snacking on leaves, twigs, and buds of trees and shrubs. They also munch on aquatic plants.
• The antlers of a mature male moose, called a bull, can spread six feet from end to end. That’s wider than most compact cars!
• Moose have poor vision, but they compensate with a remarkable sense of smell and hearing.
• Female moose, called cows, give birth to one or two calves in the spring.
• A moose can run up to 35 miles per hour. Now, that’s faster than Usain Bolt!
• Moose are excellent swimmers. They can swim up to 10 miles without a break and even dive more than 15 feet.
• Despite their size and strength, moose have a life expectancy of only about 15-20 years due to their high susceptibility to diseases and predation.

Moose in Norwegian culture

The moose is not necessarily a huge part of our daily life in Norway. When we celebrate Christmas, we don’t decorate with moose, we don’t talk about it regularly (unless it walks into a bank), and we don’t really pay it too much attention.

However, there are a few ways the moose has made its way into our culture.

Hunting and meat

Hunting moose (or elk) is a cherished practice in Norway, with a season that stretches from late September until mid-to-late December.

It’s a time-honored tradition, reinforcing our connection with nature and our ancestors who once relied on the hunt for their survival. More than just a sport, it is a social gathering that brings together families and friends, and contributes to the management of moose populations.

Each year, approximately thirty thousand moose are harvested, reflecting the significance of the practice in our national life. I have family members and friends who hunt, and it’s a big event every year (in fact, I don’t see some of my best friends for several weekends in a row, because they are off hunting).

Now, let’s talk about the meat! Moose meat is a popular delicacy in Norway, famed for its rich, gamey flavor.

As autumn leaves fall and winter frosts creep in, you’ll find that our restaurants, from Oslo to Tromsø, serve up delicious moose dishes.

Whether it’s a hearty stew to warm you up, a savory moose sausage, or the highly sought-after moose steak, there’s no shortage of ways for you to appreciate this national treasure. In fact, my favorite dish at the best restaurant in Bergen is the moose steak.

So next time you’re in Norway, don’t forget to try some moose cuisine – it might just be the most Norwegian thing you do!

Traffic signs and safety

Hitting the open road in Norway is a unique experience, not just because of the breathtaking landscapes, but also due to our distinctive traffic signs.

Don’t be surprised if, while cruising on a Norwegian highway, you encounter a traffic sign with an image of a majestic moose warning you of their potential presence.

You’ve now entered the territory of Norway’s (unofficial) national animal! These signs are more than just a charming reminder of our national affinity for the moose – they carry an important safety message.

The moose, albeit a beloved symbol of our national identity, is considered a risk on the roads. Weighing up to 700 kilograms and standing at an impressive height, an unexpected encounter with this giant can lead to serious, sometimes even fatal, traffic accidents.

As such, it’s crucial to remain alert and cautious when driving in moose-populated areas, especially at dawn and dusk when they are most active.

Our national animal, as magnificent as it is, also commands our respect and vigilance on the road. So, keep your eyes peeled when you see that moose sign – it’s not just there for the Instagram photo!

Tourism and souvenirs

In the world of Norwegian tourism, the moose is far more than just the Norway national animal. It is a symbol, an icon that tourists have come to associate with their Norwegian adventures.

One can hardly take a stroll in any tourist shop without encountering a plethora of moose-themed souvenirs.

Magnets showcasing cartoon moose in front of famous Norwegian landscapes, postcards depicting a majestic moose against the backdrop of a serene fjord, even key chains with cute, miniature moose – these are just a few examples of how the moose has cemented its place in Norwegian tourism.

These souvenirs serve as charming, tangible reminders of the travelers’ journey through our beautiful country, while also paying homage to our beloved moose. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t love to take home a little piece of Norway with a cheeky moose smiling back at them?

From a marketing perspective, the moose’s popularity is a testament to its appeal to the masses – both domestically and internationally.

It’s not just an animal; it’s become a brand that resonates with tourists and compels them to take a piece of the Norwegian experience home with them. The moose is not merely our national animal; it’s also an ambassador of Norwegian tourism in a way!

Other great Norwegian gifts and souvenirs include a proper knitted Scandinavian sweater, winter clothing and backpacks from some of the most popular Nordic brands.

Norway’s National Bird

Norway isn’t all about moose. We have a national bird too – the White-throated Dipper, or “Fossekall” in Norwegian. It’s a charming little bird that loves water just as much as we Norwegians love our coffee.

This little feathered marvel is no ordinary bird; it’s the only songbird that swims – quite literally taking the plunge to forage in freezing waters.

Just as we Norwegians don’t let a cold weather forecast ruin our hiking plans, the Dipper bravely dives into icy streams to catch its grub. With its white bib, resembling the foam of the rapids it loves, and its gleaming dark brown feathers resembling the wet stones of a riverbed, the Fossekall is a bird that truly carries the essence of Norway’s majestic landscapes in its appearance.

It’s a bird that says, “Hey, I might be small, but you should see me dive!” The Dipper is usually found diving in and around the waters below waterfalls, which is what gave it its name. “Foss” means waterfall in Norwegian.

Other important Norwegian animals

While the moose and the Dipper have their fair share of fame in Norway, there are other creatures that share the spotlight, adding to the rich biodiversity we have.

Take the majestic whale, for instance. These colossal marine mammals are an intrinsic part of the Norwegian cultural and ecological landscape, attracting tourists from all over the world to the northern coastlines every year for thrilling whale watching experiences.

Orcas have even been making their way into the fjords in recent years! If you visit the fjords in the winter, you may be lucky enough to see them.

Then we have the reindeer, the ever-present icon of the Norwegian wilderness. These hardy animals, with their magnificent antlers, are deeply entwined with Sami culture and are essential to their traditional way of life. Amongst some of the best things to do in Tromsø, for example, is to go and learn about Sami culture and heritage.

And let’s not forget the puffin, a seabird with a colorful beak and an even more colorful personality, nesting on cliff edges and becoming a symbol of the coastal areas. Each of these animals, in their unique way, contributes to the rich tapestry of Norwegian wildlife.

Of course, I have to mention the polar bear. They’re like the celebs of the Norwegian animal kingdom, but they’re actually pretty rare. You can only find them in Svalbard, and even there, they’re not exactly throwing a party.

In fact, they can be a real danger to the folks who live there or visit. You don’t wanna mess with them, trust me. Trying to track them down is a big no-no, and tour operators get slapped with hefty fines if they try to show them off to their groups.

Norway National Animal & Moose FAQ

Below are a bunch of frequently asked questions about the moose and Norway’s national animal.