By Mikaela Borgeaud LeBlanc, Master’s student at McGill University

This summer, I had the amazing opportunity to attend the 9th International Moose Symposium in Östersund, Sweden, from June 23rd to 27th, thanks to the Quebec Center for Biodiversity Science (QCBS) Excellence Award. Since its inception in 1973, this conference has served as a vital gathering for wildlife biologists studying moose ecology, behaviour and management across the northern hemisphere. This year, in a region known for its thriving moose population, the symposium spotlighted moose management by exploring topics such as moose distribution range, competing deer species and the impact of climate change on moose.

Presenting my master’s work on moose calving behaviour at this conference was a true highlight of my  graduate experience. I shared my findings on moose calving in Northern Quebec, including how I used video-collars to pinpoint parturition dates and validated various movement-based methods for inferring those dates. My presentation also covered moose calving timing, post-calving movement, space use, habitat selection and site fidelity. I described how my master’s research is nested within a broader knowledge co-production project aiming to characterize moose habitat quality in a region with an adapted forestry regime in Northern Quebec. 

The symposium offered so much more than presentation opportunities. With presentation topics ranging from moose diets, predator-prey dynamics, and parasite impacts, to the complex relationship between moose and forestry, the conference expanded my perspective on moose ecology far beyond the scope of my own research. Engaging with international peers allowed for meaningful discussions that not only helped me reflect on my own data, but also opened the door for potential future collaborations with researchers from other moose-inhabited regions. 

One of the most unforgettable experiences of this conference was an excursion afternoon, which offered an immersive opportunity to learn more about moose, forestry and local traditions. The activity began with a scenic boat ride across Lake Storsjön to the Andersön Nature Reserve, where we walked through a beautiful forested trail with stunning lake views and learned about moose diets directly from experts. We then visited the Moose Garden, where we had the rare chance to encounter live moose, including a bull and a young calf. Our group also met trained hunting dogs and learned about traditional moose hunting practices in Sweden. Later in the day, representatives from the Swedish forestry sector led us through managed forests to explain how moose browsing affects regeneration. The excursion concluded at the Jamtli Museum, where we explored exhibitions on regional art, Swedish history, and Sámi culture before ending the day with a delicious Sámi-inspired supper. This experience was educational and truly unforgettable.

Views at the Andersön Nature Reserve, Östersund.

Moose at the Moose Garden, Östersund.

Beyond the symposium, this trip also allowed me to explore some more of Sweden. I spent a few days in Stockholm, where I experienced Midsommar celebrations, a cherished Swedish tradition marking the summer solstice in late June. I wandered through the picturesque city of Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s old town, and visited world-class museums including the ABBA Museum, an interactive exhibit dedicated to the iconic Swedish band, and the Vasa Museum, which houses the only fully preserved 17th-century warship ever salvaged. This was a truly  rich cultural experience.

Photos of the buildings in Gamla Stan, wax figures of the ABBA members at the ABBA Museum, and the preserved 17th-century ship at the Vasa Museum, Stockholm.

This experience not only enhanced my academic and professional development but also broadened my worldview and I am truly grateful for this opportunity that allowed me to grow as a researcher.