moose

Moose (Alces alces) are the largest extant species in the deer family and are native to the boreal forests of the northern hemisphere. They are found across much of Canada and Alaska, parts of Greenland, Scandinavia, and Russia, with smaller populations in other northern regions. The species is generally solitary but may form small groups seasonally, especially mothers with calves.

They have a distinctive appearance: a heavy body, long legs, a drooping snout, and, in bulls, broad palmated antlers that are shed annually. Adults range around 380–700 kg; bulls can be larger. Height at the shoulder typically 1.4–2.1 meters.

Moose are browsers, feeding on a mix of aquatic and terrestrial vegetation. In spring and summer they feed on leaves, aquatic plants, and forbs; in winter they browse on woody twigs and bark. They are powerful swimmers and often feed in shallow water; they can dive to reach aquatic vegetation. Habitat includes boreal forests near lakes and wetlands.

Reproduction occurs in autumn during the rut; gestation is about eight months; cows give birth to one calf, sometimes twins, after winter. Calves stay with their mothers for about a year. Predators include wolves and bears, and humans through hunting. Population status is IUCN Least Concern, but local declines occur due to habitat loss, climate change, ticks, and disease; moose-vehicle collisions are a concern in roaded habitats.