Alces alces alces
A species of Alces Scientific name : Alces alces alces Genus : Alces
Alces alces alces, A species of Alces
Scientific name: Alces alces alces
Genus: Alces
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Jerzy Strzelecki , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Exhibiting unique foraging habits, alces alces alces, often submerged in shallow bodies of water to consume vegetation on the lake bottom. With an extraordinary adaptation to harsh winters, alces alces alces feed on twigs and bark high above the snowpack. Primarily solitary animals, they interact during the mating season with intense, competitive behaviors—displays vital for survival in their northern forest habitats.
General Info
Lifespan
15-25 years
Diet
Alces alces alces are herbivores and their diet primarily consists of a diverse array of plant matter. They chiefly consume deciduous and coniferous tree leaves, aquatic plants, mosses, and lichens. Seasonal changes dramatically influence their food preferences.
Appearance
Alces alces alces is a large mammal with a tall, elongated body covered in coarse fur. It is primarily brown, with legs that are typically lighter in color. Males have palmate, shovel-shaped antlers that can span up to 2 meters wide. Females lack antlers. A distinctive 'bell' or dewlap hangs from their throat. Younger members have a more reddish hue, transitioning to brown with maturity.
Behavior
Alces alces alces are solitary and territorial, especially males. Usually, they mark territory by using their antlers to scrape trees. Alces alces alces are foragers, often seen grazing on aquatic plants in the summer and tree bark in winter. Hibernation is not a part of their behavior; they adopt migratory strategy to survive the harsh winters.
Photo By Jerzy Strzelecki , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original