Moose Facts!
Moose are the largest member of the deer family. An adult moose can reach heights of 1.4-1.2 m at the shoulder.
What do Moose Eat?
Moose are herbivores that feed on shrubs, flowering plants, leaves, small tree branches and also aquatic plants. The upper lip of the moose is sensitive so that it can discern between fresh shoots and harder twigs. The lip is also prehensile so that it can grasp the food. Moose are frequently drawn to roadways during the winter, where they lick the salt that is spread to melt the ice.
Moose Eat Underwater.
Moose are the only deer that are able to feed underwater and have been known to dive underwater to reach plants at the bottom. There are fatty pads and muscles in the nose that close the nostrils when exposed to water pressure. This is a special adaptation to the moose’s underwater feeding habit.
Moose Antlers
Only the male moose (bull) has antlers and these antlers can be as wide as 6 feet (1.8 meters). Before the winter the males drop the antlers to preserve energy, but a new pair grows back in the spring. It takes 3-5 months for the antlers to fully grow and this makes it one of the fastest growing animal organs. Every year the antlers grow bigger than the year before.
The age and diet of the bull influences the size and growth rate of the antlers. Birds, rodents and carnivores feed on the dropped antlers since they are rich in protein. Even the moose themselves will feed on the antlers.
The females select their mates based on the size of their antlers.
Moose are featured in the following book:
25 Polar Animals
The YouTube video playlist below contains videos about Moose. Details of the videos featured are underneath.
The Playlist:
- BBC: Bull Moose Battle – A Moose Named Madeline
- BBC: A Moose Named Madeline – Black Fly Attack
- BBC:The Beaver – A Moose’s Best Friend – A Moose Named Madeline
- BBC: Moose v Wolf Pack – A Moose Named Madeline
- Alaska Moose Street Fight by DiecastEarthmoving
- Re-Introducing Moose to the Glen – Moose – BBC
- Moose Fight in Snowy Range, WY by MsJenLynn
- Moose attacks mailbox by Lonnie Olson
- Wild and Dangerous : S1 Ep1 – BBC
