Coprophagy, the eating of feces, has been documented in a wide range of species
but appears to be rare or difficult to detect in deer (Cervidae). Here, we report the
first observation of coprophagy in moose Alces alces, which was recorded using camera
collars on free-ranging
moose in Norway. The footage shows an instance of allocoprophagy
by an adult female moose in spring (May). We summarize the current
knowledge about coprophagy in deer and briefly discuss potential drivers and possible
implications for disease transmission. Further research is needed to determine
whether coprophagy occurs frequently in moose and whether this behavior is positive
(e.g., increased intake of nutrients) or negative (increased infection by parasites or
pathogens).
Alces alces, camera collar, chronic wasting disease, coprophagy, foraging, moose
