alces

Alces is a genus of deer in the family Cervidae. It contains a single extant species, Alces alces, commonly known as the moose. The species is native to boreal and temperate regions of North America, Europe, and Asia, with populations found in forests, wetlands, and tundra edges. Several extinct relatives have been described, but modern taxonomy recognizes mainly the Eurasian and North American populations as subspecies of A. alces, though subspecies classification varies among authorities.

Moose are among the largest land mammals. Adults have a distinctive body shape with a long face, a pronounced shoulder hump, and very long legs. Males (bulls) grow broad, palmate antlers each year, while females (cows) do not have antlers. Coat color ranges from brown to dark brown, and the fur is thick to insulate against cold climates. Antlers are shed annually, usually in late winter or spring, and regrow through the summer and fall.

The diet is primarily herbivorous, consisting of a mix of aquatic vegetation, leaves, twigs, and bark, with seasonal shifts in forage. Moose are adept swimmers and often feed at water’s edge or in shallow streams.

Behaviorally, moose are generally solitary, except during the rut or when cows are with calves. They can be observed in loose, small groups and are known for their strength and agility in rugged terrain.

Conservation status is widespread and not considered globally endangered, though populations face regional pressures from habitat alteration, climate change, and vehicle collisions. The genus Alces thus represents the modern lineage of the moose, a large Northern Hemisphere herbivore with notable antler biology and adaptability to cold ecosystems.