Moose ( Alces alces )
Moose - Moose information - Moose facts, pictures, photos
A Moose, in Europe known as Elk, is the biggest deer in the deer family. It also has the biggest antlers. The maximum record antler was over 2 meters (80 inches) long in width. This deer is over 3 meters (10 feet) long with a tail of 12 cm (5 in). Its shoulders are at the height of 2 meters (5.5 feet). It has got an astonishing weight of 825 kg (1815 lb). Its fur has got a dark brown colour.
Alces alces can be found in the North of the United States, in Canada, Scandinavia and in Siberia. It is quite a solitary animal. There are approximately 2 animals per 10 square kilometers (2 square miles). They also consume a huge amount of food every day (about 20 kg, which is 43 lb) and this large area is inevitable for them because of that. They inhabit forests and woodlands with lakes or rivers, which provide them water. They give birth to about 1-2 per year and this usually occurs in spring.
As it has been already mentioned above, moose have got huge flat shaped antlers. They use them for protection as well as for fighting during the breeding season. During winter season moose tend to move to areas with not so much snow. They can migrate up to 300 km (115 miles). Their longevity is up to 30 years. They used to be hunted for fur, meat and antlers but these days their number is pretty stable.
meat and antlers but these days their number is pretty stable.
When driving a car in the areas where moose live, you have to be very careful, because they often stay on the road and move very slowly. It is very dangerous at high speeds and during night.
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