Fauna
Mammal · GBIF taxon 4262283

Moose

Alces americanus

Also known as Elk, Eurasian Elk

Moose are solitary forest giants that spend summer wading through northern wetlands to feed on mineral-rich aquatic plants. During the autumn rut, massive bulls clash their broad palmate antlers and vocalize deep guttural grunts to secure breeding rights with receptive cows. Their long legs and insulating hollow-hair coats enable them to move effortlessly through deep snowpacks where most other herbivores flounder.

HerbivoreBorealSolitary
Moose reference
Licensed referencePaxson Woelber / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
—observations
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—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Willow
  • Birch
  • Aquatic plants
Predators
  • Grey Wolf
  • Grizzly Bear
  • American Black Bear
ThreatsWinter tick parasitism, brainworm, climate warming, vehicle collisions
HabitatsBoreal forests, temperate mixed woods, muskeg, river valleys
Life span15–20 years
Classification
  1. FamilyCervidae
  2. SpeciesAlces americanus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Capably charges and stomps when startled or protecting calves; observe from at least 50 meters.
Why it is dangerous
Massive body mass and sharp hooves can deliver crushing, life-threatening kicks if startled, provoked, or guarding offspring.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for a towering shoulder hump, long stilt-like legs, a bulbous drooping muzzle, and a hairy dewlap under the chin.
What to do
Back away calmly without running, and place a large obstacle like a boulder, tree, or vehicle between yourself and the animal.
Responsible observation
  • Distance: Maintain a clearance of at least 50 meters, expanding distance if calves are present.
  • Stress Signs: Watch for laid-back ears, raised neck hackles, and stomping, which signal an imminent charge.
  • Road Awareness: Slow down in boreal corridors at twilight, as their dark coats reflect minimal headlight glare.
Related species
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