Moose
Alces alces
Quick answer
The moose is the largest member of the deer family, standing up to 2.1 m (7 ft) at the shoulder and weighing as much as 700 kg (1,500 lb). Males grow huge, broad antlers each year that can span nearly 2 m (6 ft) across. Moose are solitary herbivores of the northern forests of North America, Scandinavia, and Russia, feeding on leaves, twigs, and water plants. Wild moose typically live 15 to 25 years.
Moose facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Alces alces |
|---|---|
| Diet | Herbivore |
| Habitat | Boreal and mixed forests, wetlands |
| Lifespan | 15–25 years in the wild |
| Weight | 270–700 kg (600–1,500 lb) |
| Top speed | Up to 56 km/h (35 mph) |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN) |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Artiodactyla |
| Family | Cervidae |
| Genus | Alces |
Where it lives
Boreal and mixed forests of northern North America, Scandinavia, and Russia.
Behavior and antlers
Moose are largely solitary, unlike many herd-forming deer, and males come together with females mainly during the autumn breeding season, or rut. Bulls grow a fresh set of broad, palm-shaped antlers each year, shedding them in winter and regrowing them by summer. During the rut, males use their antlers to spar with rivals and attract mates. Despite their bulk, moose are strong swimmers and can run quickly through dense forest.
Diet and feeding
Moose are herbivores whose name comes from a word meaning "twig eater." They browse on leaves, shoots, bark, and twigs of trees and shrubs, and in summer wade into lakes and ponds to feed on aquatic plants rich in sodium. An adult moose can eat tens of kilograms of vegetation a day to sustain its huge body. Their long legs let them reach high branches and move through deep snow and water.
Habitat and range
Moose live across the boreal and mixed forests of the Northern Hemisphere, including Canada, Alaska, the northern United States, Scandinavia, and Russia. They favor cool, forested areas near lakes, rivers, and wetlands, and they are well adapted to cold and snow. Because they overheat easily, warming climates are pushing some populations northward. Moose are usually found alone or in small, loose groupings rather than large herds.
Humans and safety
Moose are generally not aggressive, but they are large and powerful and can become dangerous if they feel threatened, especially cows with calves or bulls during the rut. Vehicle collisions with moose are a serious hazard in many northern regions because of the animals' size and height. While overall numbers are healthy, some regional populations have declined due to parasites, disease, and heat stress linked to warming temperatures. They remain a key prey species for wolves and bears.
Frequently asked questions about the Moose
How big is a moose?
Moose are the largest deer, standing up to about 2.1 m (7 ft) at the shoulder and weighing up to 700 kg (1,500 lb). Bulls also carry broad antlers that can span nearly 2 m (6 ft).
What do moose eat?
Moose are herbivores that browse on leaves, twigs, shoots, and bark, and in summer they wade into water to feed on aquatic plants. An adult can eat tens of kilograms of vegetation daily.
Are moose dangerous?
Moose are usually not aggressive but can be dangerous if threatened, particularly mothers with calves or bulls during the autumn rut. They are large enough to seriously injure a person, so keep your distance.
Do moose shed their antlers?
Yes. Bull moose grow a new set of antlers each year and shed them in winter, regrowing larger ones by the following summer. Females do not grow antlers.
How long do moose live?
Wild moose typically live 15 to 25 years. Predation, harsh winters, parasites, and vehicle collisions are major causes of death.
Can moose swim?
Yes. Despite their size, moose are strong swimmers. They readily enter lakes and rivers to feed on water plants and to escape predators and biting insects.
