Moose

Physical Description

The Moose is a member of the deer family and is often described as the largest extent species. As an adult, it is quite a large mammal standing at a towering 6 to 7 feet. Their average weight is around 850 to 1580 pounds for males and 600 to 800 pounds for females. The males tend to grow antlers that have an average height of 3.9 to 4.9 feet. These antlers also have an average span of six feet.

Their hair is of a dark brown color and remains short during months but longer and thicker during the winter. This to assist with the maintenance of a constant body temperature throughout the seasons. The moose has dark brown eyes, a very good sense of hearing and their sense of smell is very acute. Their noses are also adapted for water due to the special valves it contains. This allows the animal to be able to submerge their heads or dive underwater.

On the moose's neck, you will notice a long, round flap of skin called a dewlap. This occurs in both the males and females and varies in appearance. The legs of the moose are very long and thin and has a hoof, often referred to as 'dew claws'. These legs however, despite their somewhat weak appearance, can allow a moose to run up to 35mph.

Habitat

By nature, moose are animals that enjoy greenery. A little forestry and vegetation is therefore ideal in terms of a living environment. Lakes, swamps and marshes are also key geographical features that will attract moose to certain areas. They can be found in various areas in North America, Europe, Asia and even New Zealand. Moose can also be found in some mountains of Alaska and Canada.

Diet

Moose will eat most vegetation. They are herbivores and will eat many and various types of fruits and plants. They are also known to often consume terrestrial vegetation such as fresh shoots and various non-grasses.  These moose will also eat some amount of woody vegetation and aquatic plants such as lilies and pond weed.

Meat

Moose meat is actually a popular delicacy in many parts of the world, particularly America. It is especially popular in the rural parts where moose are popularly hunted. The meat is somewhat like beef in terms of appearance and taste. It is said to be a bit more flavorful than beef however. It is red meat with low fat content and good protein levels.

Behavior

These animals tend to be solitary creatures. Bonding and close group relationships between the animals is therefore rare, with an obvious exception being the mating season which occurs between September and October. One the strongest bonds that can be formed among these animals however is between mother and calf.

Moose tend to generally be calm animals except when provoked. Provocation will lead to them attacking the source of the problem. They will charge at unwelcomed visitors and scare people who dent them of food. They are not territorial animals but are unpredictable and should therefore be treated carefully.

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