Moose
Identification
The moose is the largest member of the Deer family. Head, back and flanks are black in color with some blending to brown or grey tones on the legs and belly. A pendulum like portion of skin known as the bell often hangs from the throat region. Antlers are normally present on the males only. They are flat, palmate, slightly concave and characteristically show a notched border of small spikes. Antlers spread sideways and backwords from the head. A mature bull may weigh around 1000 pounds.
Range
The moose is found throughout the forested regions of North America and can be found in Maine, New Hampshire, Ontario, Alberta, BC, Newfoundland.
Breeding occurs in late September and early October with calf moose being born during early June. Twinning does occur in areas where food quality is high. The calves are dull brown and unspotted when born.
Food
The moose is primarily a browser and consumes Willow, Birch, Poplar and other woody and shrubby vegetation in its forest habitat. For this reason the Moose is also called a Twig eater.
Remarks
Large size and dark coloration of the moose distinguishes this animal from any other cloven hoofed animal. The protrudent snout and the bell of the throat are very characteristic.
