Moose (Alces alces)
Length: head and body: 3 m; tail: 9 cm; height at shoulder: 2 m.
Features: majestic size; massive, very broad antlers with numerous antlers; dewlap on the throat; drooping muzzle.
Habitat: northern forests, often near water
The moose is the largest living deer. The weight of a male in autumn can exceed 500 kg. Standing in the water or swimming, the moose searches for aquatic plants on which it feeds. It is not gregarious; it lives alone or with a few individuals. In autumn, males become nervous and aggressive; they fight among themselves, antler against antler, for possession of females. Fawns, often twins, are born in spring. They remain hidden and inactive for several days; They are often prey to wolves or bears. But a healthy moose is a dangerous opponent; it swims well, runs easily in the snow and its kick or antlers are formidable. The male loses its antlers in winter; it grows new ones in the spring.
