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.
Key takeaway
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.
Overview
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.
Biology
Moose (Alces alces) is classified as Mammal with conservation status Least Concern. Typical weight 270–700 kg (600–1,500 lb); lifespan around 15–25 years in the wild.
Ecology
Diet: Herbivore. Habitat: Boreal and mixed forests, wetlands. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures.
People and this species
Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild individuals are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.
Further reading
See the full Moose profile for FAQs, taxonomy, and related guides on this site.
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.
Research notes
Figures for mooses (Alces alces) come from field studies, museum records, and conservation assessments that do not always agree on exact averages. Prefer ranges over single-point claims, and check whether a source describes wild, captive, or mixed populations.
Practical takeaways
If you encounter mooses in the wild, prioritise distance and local guidance. If you care for related domestic or captive animals, match diet and housing to species needs rather than generic pet advice. Share accurate status information (Least Concern) when discussing conservation.
Sources
FAQs
Moose: Key Facts & Natural History?
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.
What is the scientific name of the moose?
Alces alces
What do mooses eat?
Herbivore
Where do mooses live?
Boreal and mixed forests, wetlands
Are mooses endangered?
Listed here as Least Concern. Check IUCN and national lists for the latest assessment.