Moose
The moose (Alces alces) is the largest member of the deer family. Males are much larger than females with an antler spread of 50 to 60 inches. Bulls (males) range from 900 to 1,400 pounds in weight and cows (females) 700 to 1,100 pounds. Both sexes stand about 2 meters at the shoulder. They have long dark brown hair with pale legs and stubby tails. Moose have disproportionately large head and long, square muzzle. Both sexes have a flap of skin covered with hair that hangs beneath the throat. This flap, or "bell" is used in communication. The large surface of the bull moose bell transfers scents to the cows during "chinning" behavior, and may be a secondary indicator of sex, relative to age and rank, in the yearly period during which they have no antlers. more info
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Only bull moose grow the distinctive palmate antlers, which their largest size when the animal is about six years old.
A moose may grow short stubs and yearlings may develop one or two forks. As the moose ages, a large shovel shape
develops, and the antlers form points. Antlers begin growing in April and reach their maximum size in August or September.
They are covered with skin and hair, or "velvet". In late August,
the blood supply to the velvet is cut off and it starts to shed, aided by the moose rubbing the antlers against trees. Continuous scraping of the antlers signifies
the start of the breeding season. After about a week, the velvet is completely shed and the white antlers begin to stain brown. Older bulls lose their antlers in
December, following the rut, while the younger males may keep theirs as late as February.
Moose have long legs, suited for navigating deep snow, stepping over brush and logs, and wading in marshy areas.
They normally walk along slowly, occasionally trot, and will gallop only when severely agitated or frightened. However,
moose can reach speeds of up to 34 miles per hour.
Moose feed on primarily aquatic vegetation and willows
in the summer; woody plants, aquatic vegetation, and barks during the winter.
Moose remain solitary in summer, but may gather at food sources near streams and lakes to feed on aquatic vegetation, especially in
winter months. Moose often submerge themselves to feed and are excellent swimmers, able to move at speeds up to 6mph for as long as
2 hours. They prefer spruce forest, swamps, and aspen and willow thickets. Moose cows birth either a single calf or twin calves once a year
Most moose live for up to 15 years, although some have lived for as long as 20 years.
Moose wander freely within their home range, and like to spend winters near rivers, but do not migrate. Thick hides and warm coats insulate the moose against winter cold.
They prefer to remain in their home range unless forced to leave by environmental factors affecting food and habitat availability.
The average annual home range of an adult moose is around 16 square miles per male, 9 square miles per female.
Female moose accompanied by young less an a year in age, have a much smaller home range.
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