MOOSE
MOOSE ENCOUNTERS
• Although moose appear to be docile creatures and largely unaware of your presence, they can become aggressive very quickly.
• It is important to never approach moose and to give them as much space as possible.
• Moose possess relatively poor eyesight, but they compensate for it with a very good sense of smell and hearing. Because of this, they perceive most other creatures as threatening.
• Moose are surprisingly fast and agile. They can move silently through the woods and can reach speeds of up to 35 mph over short distances and 20 mph for an extended trot. They are also very strong swimmers.
MOOSE (Alces alces) ECOLOGY
• Male moose are the largest antlered species in the world. They can weigh up to 1,200 pounds.
• Female moose—known as cows—are very protective of their calves.
• Their habitat ranges from willow flat and riparian areas to swamps to coniferous mountains.
• Moose are herbivores.
• Males shed their antlers in December or January.
• A moose's wide hooves act like built-in snowshoes, helping moose to navigate through deep snow.
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