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Common Name: Moose
Scientific Name: Alces alces |
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DESCRIPTION |
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Moose are the largest member of the
deer family, weighing in at 450 to 1800 pounds (200 -
800 kg.), and standing up to 7.5 feet (2.3 meters) tall.
The males have antlers; the largest recorded antler spread
is over 6.5 feet (2 meters). Moose have poor sight, but
an excellent sense of smell and of hearing. |
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GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE & HABITAT |
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In the U.S., moose range along the Rocky
Mountains as far south as Colorado, to the eastern states
bordering Canada, and throughout most of Alaska. They
are also found in northern Europe and Asia. Moose range
falls primarily in coniferous forests; they concentrate
near streams and ponds where willow grows. |
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FOOD HABITS & DIET |
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Moose eat twigs, bark, roots and the
shoots of willow and other woody plants. In the warm months
they feed on water plants, water lilies, pondweed, horsetails
and burweed. They require 20kg of food a day. |
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SOCIAL STRUCTURE |
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Moose are solitary for most of the year,
though two individuals may be found feeding along the
same streamside. They gather in large groups during the
breeding season, when males compete for mates in dangerous,
sometimes fatal, shoving matches. |
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REPRODUCTION |
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Females attract males for mating in
autumn, using calls and a potent scent. An 8 month gestation
period generally produces one offspring, though twins
are not uncommon. Calves can browse and follow their mother
by 3 weeks, and are weaned at 5 months. They stay with
their mother for at least a year, until the next young
are born. Unlike the young of most of this family (Cervidae),
moose calves do not have spots. Both males and females
mature at two years, and generally live 10-15 years in
the wild. |
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CONSERVATION |
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No special status, although the population
is much reduced by hunting and loss of habitat. |
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INTERESTING FACTS |
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Adult moose can run as fast as 56km/hr
and swim up to 36km/hr. There is a strong bond between
the mother and the calf, and the mother may charge humans
if they get too close. |
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