The Magnificent Moose

Moose are the largest member of the Cervidae (Deer) family currently roaming the planet. They are equivalent in size to a large work horse, or an SUV.

Moose have long dark brown or black hair, long legs, and are noticeably humped at the shoulders . A large "Dewlap" develops under their huge muzzle. Males are much larger than females and weigh between 900-1400 pounds. The males sport a large pair of palmated antler structures that shed in the late winter. Antler spread is usually 4-5 feet across, however the record spread stands at 6 feet,9 inches!

A bulls' antlers begin to grow in March and attain full growth in August. The growing antlers are soft, living tissue covered by "velvet". When the antlers reach full growth they harden, or calcify and the velvet sheds and is sloughed off. The shedding of velvet (dripping velvet) is a spectacular sight. The antlers are lost between December through February.

The moose diet consists of willow and aquatic vegetation in summer and woody plants, twigs, buds and bark of willow , balsam, aspen, dogwood, birch, etc.

The lifespan of a moose is up to 20 years. A moose is unpredictable and can be dangerous, especially during The Rut, or a cow with young.

The moose mate from mid September through late October. One or two calves are born in late May to early June. Newborns weigh 24- 35 pounds, can stand the first day and can swim within 2 weeks. The moose are solitary in summer but several may feed closely in streams or lakes.

Moose are excellent swimmers and can attain a speed of 6 mph and maintain it for several hours. They can completely submerge for many seconds. During warm weather a moose will submerge in water or roll in a wallow (muddy depressions) to coat itself with mud to escape black flies or mosquitoes. Surprisingly, a moose can run quietly through the forest at 35 mph.

During the winter moose frequently herd together (yard up) to pack down the snow in a favorable habitat.

Until next time,

ED