Moose
A species of Alces, Also known as Bull, Calf, Wampoose, Black-moose Scientific name : Alces alces Genus : Alces
Moose, A species of Alces
Also known as:
Bull, Calf, Wampoose, Black-moose
Scientific name: Alces alces
Genus: Alces
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Ruben Undheim , used under CC-BY-SA-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
The moose is a very large animal with a remarkable snout. The fur is rough and gray-brown in color. The molt falls in the spring. The legs are long, so that he can walk in the deep snow, and are grayish white. For females (cows) this color extends to the tail. Adult males (bulls) have beards and antlers. Elk have a highly developed sense of smell and hearing. However, visibility is limited. The moose has a head-rom length of 200 to 290 centimeters. The female is approximately 25% smaller than the male. The male has a height at the withers of 180 to 220 centimeters and a body weight of 320 to 800 kilograms, the female a withers of 150 to 170 centimeters and a weight of 275 to 375 kilograms. The tail is quite small, and only becomes 7 to 10 centimeters long. The antler can easily reach a wingspan of 2 meters. Elk bulls generally have a broad, leaf-shaped hoe with short protrusions, but there are also individuals with a branch-shaped rod. The occurrence of both types is geographically determined: bulls in the south of Scandinavia more often have a rod antler and in the north of Scandinavia more often a hoe antler. Large hoe antlers in particular are popular hunting trophies. The antlers are shed every year between December and March. In April it will grow again, and in August or September or October the bark skin will be sanded.
General Info
Lifespan
15-25 years
Diet
Moose appreciates a herbivorous diet primarily constituted by leaves and shoots of trees like willows and aspens. Additionally, during winters it often feeds on woody shrubs and aquatic plants.
Appearance
The moose is a large, hoofed mammal with a thick, brown coat that lightens in winter. Its broad, dish-shaped face features a pronounced overhanging upper lip. Male moose possess massive, fan-shaped antlers, which are shed and regrown annually, whereas females have smaller, rudimentary antlers or none. They have long legs, a humped shoulder, and a skinny tail. They are taller than most other animals in their habitat, standing over six feet at the shoulder.
Behavior
Moose are solitary animals, typically observing crepuscular foraging habits where they feed primarily on the leaves and twigs of deciduous and coniferous trees. During harsh winter periods, their migration into forests is remarkable. Moose's territorial behaviors include males defending their space during mating season. Yet, outside this period, they rarely display aggressive territoriality, highlighting adaptability within their circumpolar boreal habitats.
Population
Increasing
Scientific Classification
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