Moose

Moose facts at a glance

What is a group of moose called?

Explore more animal collective nouns and baby animal names .

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.

Did you know? Moose facts

• 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).
• 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).
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Conservation: Least Concern (IUCN).

Diet & feeding

Moose feeds primarily as a herbivore. 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 overh

Adaptations

• 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.
• Moose are herbivores whose name comes from a word meaning \

Behaviour & ecology

• 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.
• Moose are herbivores whose name comes from a word meaning \
• 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.

Communication

• Moose uses scent, posture, and vocal signals to mark territory and coordinate social behaviour.
• Communication intensity often peaks during breeding seasons and territorial disputes.

Habitat & range

Boreal and mixed forests, wetlands

Ecological role

Moose shapes vegetation through grazing or browsing and serves as prey for larger predators where ranges overlap.

Conservation status of the Moose

Sources & references

This guide is compiled and reviewed against established zoological and conservation references. Key sources for the Moose:

• IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

  Conservation status (Least Concern) reflects the IUCN Red List category for Alces alces.

• IUCN Red List — Alces alces.

  Conservation status (Least Concern) and population trends.

• Animal Diversity Web — Alces alces. University of Michigan Museum of Zoology.

  Life history, morphology, and range.

• Wikipedia — Moose.

  General taxonomy and overview (cross-check primary sources).

• Global Animal Guide editorial standards

  How we research, source, review, and update every guide for accuracy.