Moose

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A male moose in Yellowstone National Park.
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A male moose in Yellowstone National Park.
Where moose live (marked red).
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Where moose live (marked red).
A female moose and her calf.
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A female moose and her calf.

A moose (Alces alces) (called elk in Europe) is a mammal of the deer family.

A male moose is called bull, a female moose is called cow, and a young moose is called calf.

Contents

[edit] Appearance

Moose are about 3 m long and about 2 m / 6.5 ft high. Males usually weigh about 500 kg / 1,100 lb, and females weigh about 400 kg / 880 lb.

The Moose has a fur colored between reddish-brown and blackish-brown. In winter, their fur becomes a grayish color. Moose have a flap of skin hanging from the throat, which is called "bell". Male moose have large antlers. Females do not have antlers.

[edit] Habitat

Moose live in northern Europe and Asia, and in North America. Moose usually live in areas with lakes and swamps.

[edit] Life

Moose are active during the day. They live alone, but in winter they sometimes form small groups. Moose eat grass, leaves, twigs and water plants.

After a pregnancy of 9 months the female gives birth to 1-2 babies. Young moose stay with their mother for a year. Females begin to have babies when they are 2-3 years old. Moose usually become 15 years old, but they can become up to 27 years old. Moose live with the mother for about a year then it is time to live alone

[edit] Moose and humans

Moose have been hunted by humans since the Stone Age.

Moose have caused many car accidents in recent years, as, since they are dark colored, they do not show up in well at night, and they are often crossing roads.

[edit] Links

Look up Alces in Wikispecies, a directory of species


Wikimedia Commons has media related to:
Alces alces

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