Maine Nature Vacations: Ecotourism and Maine Wildlife Viewing
The
Cozy Moose on Moosehead Lake is your Maine ecotourism vacation and Maine wildlife viewing destination. We are committed to sustaining the ecological
integrity of the environment for nature vacations and Maine wildlife viewing opportunities,
by promoting responsible ecotourism travel in Maine through education
with agencies and private organizations that encourage the preservation
of natural resources and wildlife areas of the Moosehead Lake Region. Please read on to learn about the Maine wildlife viewing tours that are available throughout the year, and how you help us protect this beautiful area.
Moosehead Lake is Maine's largest lake that boasts scenic mountain landscapes that are largely undeveloped giving way to a wide variety of wildlife habitats and eco systems. Maine Moose roam free and outnumber the people here 3:1, the coyote and bear population thrive, and beaver, otters, and fox sightings are common. Moosehead Lake Region is known for its wide variety of birds that thrive in the area and Maine Birding Trails have been established. Enjoy a Maine ecotourism nature vacation in a peaceful and natural lake setting on Moosehead Lake with amazing lake sunsets, and
nights that sparkle brightly like diamonds. Cozy Moose guests treasure our lake setting as Loon sightings are frequent, and it is home to a variety of ducks, and a pair of Mergansers. A variety of birds also visit our feeder year round as seed and suet is kept on site.
Please help us protect our Maine wildlife habitat and our waterfront. Visitors'
actions can make a difference in sustaining the health of the Moosehead
Lake Area as a Maine ecotourism nature vacation travel destination in the years to come.
Please
take a moment to review the educational information and ecotourism resources
listed below, and become wise stewards of the land during your stay
to our beautiful area.
Our
Maine vacation waterfront is protected by NRPA, Shoreland Waterfront Zoning restrictions,
and the Department
of Environmental Protection (DEP). The NRPA (Natural
Resource Protection Act) regulates earth disturbance in, on
and within 100 ft of Moosehead Lake. This includes cutting, and/or
removal of vegetation.
Erosion
and sedimentation control laws require that ground cover, decomposing
leaves, twigs and rocks along our shoreline be left undisturbed.
Please prevent ground contamination by practicing the following:
- Conserve
water
- Stagger showers and laundry days
- Use extreme caution not to spill any oil used for recreational vehicles
- Collect
all cooking grease in sealed containers, and put in trash (never
pour down the drain or outside)
Tread Lightly – Leave a good impression – Protect the outdoors
T – Travel and recreate with minimum impact
R – Respect the environment and rights of others
E – Educate yourself, plan and prepare before you go
A – Allow for future use of the outdoors; leave it better than you found it
D – Discover the rewards of responsible recreation
“Extend and Improve the Maine vacation resource base and wildlife of our beautiful
area.” Piscataquis
County Soil and Water Conservation District provides a Maine nature educational
focus and eco nature tours in agriculture, forestry and other natural resources .
Forest Society
of Maine – West Branch Campaign- Conservation Effort for
329,000 acres of forest land at the tip Northern
Moosehead Lake preserving our forests for eco travelers and eco vacations in the years
to come.
North Maine Woods
– Multiple use - Multiple ownership - Multiple Management -
Promotes responsible eco travel adventure
and Maine vacation recreation.
Maine Department of Inland Fisheries
and Wildlife protects all species of Maine wildlife and aquatic resources
in state of Maine. Helping preserve the ecological integrity of
the environment.
Wildlife
Viewing and Maine Tours
The
Moosehead Lake region of Maine is one of the top ecotourism destinations
in the Americas for family vacations and nature vacations. It's
not hard to understand why. Continuing, conscientious efforts of
conservation and protection are being rewarded by our abundant natural
resources and wildlife viewing opportunities. Maine Wildlife viewing
nature tourism based activities, moose safaris, and nature tours are enjoyed all four seasons, and
have become one of the greatest attractions for the Greenville area.
Listed below is sampling of the abundant Maine wildlife viewing opportunities
available in the area.
Lynx Population
Maine's Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife biologists
in the past have identified
six dens containing nearly double the number of lynx kittens
found in previous years. The lynx is listed as a threatened species
under the federal Endangered Species Act.
All
Year
Birds, squirrels and chipmunks visit our Cozy Moose feeders,
and can be enjoyed throughout the year. Foxes and deer
can also be viewed in the surrounding forests, and beavers and bobcats
are occasionally spotted as well.
Late
April through May
Common loons and black ducks return to The Cozy Moose
waterfront at this time and a wide variety of birds return to our feeders. Otters and Beavers have been observed
swimming in the open water at The Cozy Moose. Loons begin their
courtship, establish their territories and bond with their mates.
Watch for mating pairs to exhibit courtship displays during this
time. Excellent fishing is typical throughout the region; we encourage
a catch-and-release policy.
Late
April through October
Maine Tours by Off Road Vehicle Available This off road moose country wildlife tour departs in mid to late afternoon. Off road vehicle tours is a great way to enjoy the
vast wilderness of Moosehead Lake Region, mountain scenes, and look for moose and other wildlife. Your Maine guide knows the area well, and
will take you to popular moose haunts and scenic overlooks. Your Maine guide can customize this nature trip based on your desires.
Off Road Maine Tour price is $90 per person for 3hr tour, and $100 per person for 4 hr tour and is limited to 4 people.*
May
and June
Is the most predictable time to spot Maine Moose along the roadside,
as they venture out of the woods to munch on vegetation and salt
residue left from the winter. Moose may appear somewhat straggly as
they are shedding their winter coats; however, this is a great time
to catch a glimpse of a mother cow moose with her nursing calves. Loons
build their nests on small islands in shallow coves away from people
and predators, with parents taking turns warming their eggs. Song birds return to the area and bird watchers enjoy the wide variety of species that can be seen. An 11 page Birding Guide to Moosehead Lake area is available.
Late May
thru October
Maine Ecotourism Tours by Canoe- Wildlife Nature Canoe Safaris AvailableEnjoy a canoe moose safari adventure to one of our areas remote ponds looking for the majestic Maine moose.
This Maine vacation nature adventure moose tour provides a tranquil and relaxing setting for moose and other Maine wildlife viewing. Canoe tours provide you with an opportunity to view moose grazing upon
pond vegetation in the water, waterfowl, and experience the sounds of nature. A must do for wildlife photographers, and moose lovers as this nature trip offers a chance for up close wildlife
viewing. This Moose Safari Maine Tour departs from your cabin and is approximately 4 hours long which includes travel time. Nature Tour price is $184 for 2 guests, add 25 for each additional person. Small group tours departing from Greenville are offered for $44 per person
Maine Canoe Combo- Canoe Tour and Fly Fishing Trip This combo trip is a total escape for nature lovers, fishing enthusiasts, photographers and bird watchers. Enjoy a Canoe Moose Safari and a Fly Fishing adventure to one of our areas remote ponds looking for the majestic Maine moose as you learn
the art of fly fishing. This is a full day trip and includes fishing gear, food and drink as well as transportation. Prices for fishing licences start at $10 and are available in town. Please advise on any food allergies. Morning trips run from 5:45am to 2pm and afternoon trips run from 1pm to 8pm. This Maine Tour Package for 2 people is $320.00 for the day. Price does not include your fishing license.*
June,July,
August and early September
Moose retreat to backwater ponds and rivers to feed on aquatic
plants that offer them needed nutrients. Maine Moose safaris by canoe
(Moosehead
Lake Attractions) and pontoon boat are very popular and offer
great wildlife viewing opportunities. Loon eggs hatch and
parents spend most of their time fishing for the chicks. Babies
can be seen riding on their parents' backs.
July
to early August
From a boat, it's possible to glimpse Peregrine Falcons teaching
their young to fly and hunt. They are on the endangered species
list, and have made the cliffs of Mt Kineo a nesting habitat. It
is best to view the falcons from a distance and leave them undisturbed.
Bald Eagles, Osprey, Canada Geese, Blue Herons and many other
birds' nesting habitats can be found in the area and surrounding
islands of Moosehead Lake throughout the summer.
Late
August to early September
Black bears are fairly active and can be observed eating
wild blueberries, blackberries and raspberries that grow throughout
the area. Maine has the largest population of Black Bears east of the Mississippi. They are the most secretive of all animals and are the
most difficult to spot. According to Moosehead Lake’s wildlife
biologist, Doug Kane, there should be a lot of mothers with young
this year, as the bears' cycle is tied to the beech nuts produced
last fall.
Mid-September
thru October
Private
guided wildlife viewing nature tours are popular this time of year. Moose
become more active and visible as rutting season arrives. Bull moose
are especially handsome this time of year, with full antlers and
a beautiful coat.
December
thru April
This winter vacation tour combines the love of outdoors and the adventure of dog sledding through the Maine Woods. Dog sled trips offer a unique winter vacation experience allowing you to take in the sights and sounds of winter wildlife.
January
thru March
Professionally guided Maine snowmobiling
tours, focus on the appreciation of the natural world as you explore back country groomed
snowmobile trails known to few looking for signs of Maine wildlife and winter wildlife habitat.
Maine Wildlife Viewing Opportunities- Snowshoe hares, eagles, owls, grouse, coyotes, deer, mink, moose and more!
Animal tracks are easily identified after a fresh fallen snow.
Click here for Maine Tour Information
