Moose are large ungulates (hoofed mammals) identified by their long, rounded snouts; big, flattened antlers; humped back; and thin legs. They live in northern regions of the United States, Canada and Europe.
A herd of moose can be anywhere from one to several animals, depending on the level of predation. During the breeding season, they usually form small groups in which two or more adult females and their calves live together.
They are herbivores, consuming grasses, leaves, twigs, willow, birch, maple shoots and water plants. They are primarily active during the day and spend most of their time feeding in the open.
Their wide hooves act as built-in snowshoes to help them walk in soft, snowy areas. They also scrape snow with their hooves for easier browsing in winter.
During the mating season, moose may form polygamy groups where multiple males try to mate with multiple females. This is known as a “harem herd” and can include up to 20 individuals.
They have long, dark fur and can weigh up to 1200 pounds. Female moose have a lower body weight than bulls.
Herds of moose often migrate during the winter, when food is scarcer and predators are more common. During these times, they may travel as far as 30 miles from home in search of food and water. During this time, moose are often seen paddling along rivers or in lakes, feeding on aquatic plants both at and below the surface. They are strong swimmers and can swim up to 6 mph (9.5 km/h) and stay underwater for 30 seconds or more.
