The largest animal of the deer family, the moose is best recognized by its large head and antlers. The name moose is common in North America, but these deer are called elk in Europe. The scientific name of the moose is Alces alces.

Where moose live

Moose live in the northern forests of North America, Europe, and Asia. In North America they are found mostly in Canada, Alaska, and the Rocky Mountain region of the United States. They prefer to be near rivers, ponds, and lakes.

Physical features

Moose are heavy, long-legged animals. An adult male, called a bull, may stand more than 7 feet (2.1 meters) tall at the shoulders and weigh as much as 1,800 pounds (820 kilograms). Females, or cows, are somewhat smaller. A moose's fur is coarse and thick. It ranges in color from reddish to grayish brown and black.

A moose has a large head with a muzzle that curves downward. A hairy flap of skin, called a bell, hangs from the throat. A moose's huge antlers are flattened with upright points. They may spread more than 6 feet (2 meters) across. A moose sheds and regrows its antlers each year.

Behavior

Moose are active during the day, especially at dusk and dawn. They have a good sense of hearing and smell, but they do not see very well. Moose are good swimmers and feed on water plants such as pondweed and water lilies. They also eat grasses, herbs, twigs, and bark.

Moose usually roam the land alone. In this way they avoid competing with one another for food. When food becomes scarce in winter, however, moose often gather in groups called moose yards. Together they tramp down the snow to find small plants and twigs buried below.

Reproduction

Moose breed in the autumn. Males fight fiercely for mates by pushing each other with their antlers. After mating, a female is pregnant for about eight months before giving birth. Usually one or two young, called calves, are born. Mothers are very protective of their calves and will charge any animal that gets too close—including humans. A mother cares for her calves until she is ready to give birth again, usually about a year later.

Survival issues

Moose face threats from natural enemies and from humans. Wolves and bears kill moose for food. They often pick out old and sick animals because they are easier to catch and overpower. Humans hunt moose for their meat and for sport. Many hunters consider a moose's huge antlers and head to be a prized trophy. But hunting has greatly reduced the moose population. Moose are now protected by laws that limit hunting.