Species · GBIF taxon 2440940
Moose
Alces alcesAlso known as Elk, Eurasian Elk, Siberian Elk
Moose are towering giants of the northern woods, easily recognized by their massive humped shoulders, long legs, and pendulous muzzles. Bulls grow spectacular palmate antlers each summer, which they shed in winter after the autumn rutting season. These solitary herbivores are highly adapted to cold climates and deep snow, spending much of their time wading through wetlands to feed on aquatic plants.
MammalSolitaryHerbivore
- diet
- Herbivorous (leaves, twigs, bark, and aquatic vegetation)
- family
- Cervidae
- threats
- Climate change, habitat fragmentation, vehicle collisions, and winter tick infestations
- life Span
- 15 to 25 years
LC
Can charge and kick if cornered or during the autumn rut; maintain a distance of at least fifty meters.
Extremely large and powerful, capable of charging and trampling humans with sharp hooves when threatened, during the autumn mating season, or when protecting calves.
Never approach or feed a moose; if one approaches you, back away slowly and place a large obstacle like a tree between you.- Keep your distance: Give these giants at least fifty meters of space, especially during the autumn rut or when cows have calves.
- Watch body language: Back away immediately if a moose lays its ears back or raises the hair on its hump.
- Drive cautiously: Scan roadsides carefully at dusk and dawn in forested areas to avoid catastrophic collisions.