The moose, or A. alces as known
by the scientific name, is the largest member of the deer family in the
world. In North America it is found in wooded areas of Canada and the northern
United States. Maximum size of a bull may stand more than 6 ft high
at the shoulder and weigh more than 1400 lbs. The males bear enormous,
broad, flattened antlers with prongs, or tines which can can attain
a spread of 5 ft or more. The antlers are shed each year after the mating
season. The body color of the moose varies from almost black to light
brown, becoming greyish in winter. The legs are lighter in color than the
body. The protruding muzzle and the long legs enable the animal to browse
on brush and to wade into lakes and ponds to feed on aquatic plants. The
shoulders of the moose are higher than the hindquarters, giving it a humpbacked
appearance that is accentuated by the short neck. In order to reach low-growing
plants or to drink from a shallow pool, the moose is forced to kneel. It
is an excellent swimmer. Moose generally are solitary, although they may
form into small bands in winter and trample down the snow where good cover
exists, making a moose yard where the animals stay while the food lasts.
During the mating season, bulls battle for the cows, and their roars may
be heard for great distances. After a gestation of eight months, one to
three calves are born; they stay with the mother for two years.
The moose, or A. alces as known
by the scientific name, is the largest member of the deer family in the
world. In North America it is found in wooded areas of Canada and the northern
United States. Maximum size of a bull may stand more than 6 ft high
at the shoulder and weigh more than 1400 lbs. The males bear enormous,
broad, flattened antlers with prongs, or tines which can can attain
a spread of 5 ft or more. The antlers are shed each year after the mating
season. The body color of the moose varies from almost black to light
brown, becoming greyish in winter. The legs are lighter in color than the
body. The protruding muzzle and the long legs enable the animal to browse
on brush and to wade into lakes and ponds to feed on aquatic plants. The
shoulders of the moose are higher than the hindquarters, giving it a humpbacked
appearance that is accentuated by the short neck. In order to reach low-growing
plants or to drink from a shallow pool, the moose is forced to kneel. It
is an excellent swimmer. Moose generally are solitary, although they may
form into small bands in winter and trample down the snow where good cover
exists, making a moose yard where the animals stay while the food lasts.
During the mating season, bulls battle for the cows, and their roars may
be heard for great distances. After a gestation of eight months, one to
three calves are born; they stay with the mother for two years.