Alces alces
Range
Moose are found throughout northern North America, in Europe, and Asia. In North America they can be found throughout Alaska, Canada, Northeastern United States, and the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. They are also in northern Europe and through Siberia and Mongolia.Habitat
Moose live in cooler, northern boreal forests. They do not do well in temperatures higher than 80° F. They are usually found near or in lakes, ponds, and swamps.Body Traits
Moose are the largest members of the deer family at up to 10 feet long. Males are larger than females, weighing up to 1,400 pounds and having antlers that can be 6 feet wide. They are the largest antlers in the world. Like all deer, they lose them in the spring and re-grow them again.Habits
Moose are active all day (diurnal), but most active at dawn and dusk. They are good swimmers and fast runners. Adults can run 35mph.Diet
Moose eat the twigs, bark, roots of willows and aspens, conifer needles and water plants. Moose live alone and spend most of their time eating.Predators
Predators are bears, wolves, and man.Reproduction
Females are pregnant for 8 months (gestation) all giving birth in late May and early June to one young, though twins are common.Lifespan and/or Conservation Status
They can live 20 years in the wild. Few live more than 12 years. They are not a threatened species.
Classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Subphylum: Vertebrata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Artiodactyla
- Family: Cervidae
- Subfamily: Capreolinae
- Genus: Alces
- Species: Alces alces