(1 kg) per day while they are nursing.Īfter 6 months, calves are weaned. They weigh around 35.7 pounds (16.2 kg) at birth and grow very quickly,gaining 2.2 lbs. Within their first day of life, calves can stand up on their own. OffspringĪfter a gestation period of 231 days, females give birth to one baby, which is called a calf. Food is fermented in the first chamber, and nutrients are extracted in the next three. They regurgitate partially digested food and "chew their cud," according to Kevin Jackson, author of "Moose" (Reaktion Books, 2008). Moose have four-chambered stomachs, as do cows.
They also like to eat aquatic plants like water lilies. They tend to graze on the leaves, bark, pine cones, twigs and buds of trees and shrubs. This is a good generalization of what moose eat in the wild. Moose is an Algonquin (a Native American tribe) term that means "twig eater," according to ADW. They spend their time finding new grazing spots, eating and resting to let their food digest, while always being wary of nearby predators, which include bears, wolves and cougars. “Moose in NH – FAQs.The moose's most active times are at sunrise and at sunset.“Living with Wildlife in Moose Country.” Colorado Parks & Wildlife.“Winter Fur.” Northern Woodlands Magazine These will help reduce carbon pollution, which contributes to climate change. To help, you can advocate for more renewable energy resources, like wind and solar. Thousands of ticks can latch on to a single moose, draining it of blood which can lead to death. Warmer temperatures also cause more parasites, like ticks, to develop. This causes them to not be healthy enough to have calves due to being underweight. When temperatures are high, moose will skip eating to try to find a cool spot to rest instead. Rising temperatures cause many problems for moose. While moose populations are of least concern for extinction, they do face threats from climate change. The lifespan of a moose is about 15-25 years in the wild. A mother will charge or attack any animals or people who threaten her calf. The calves stay only with their mothers, who feed and protect them. One of the amazing things about calves is that they can walk a few hours after they are born and only a few weeks later, they can swim.Īt birth, they weigh about 11kg (25 lbs.), but by their first fall they can gain 135-180 kg (300-400 lbs.). Usually one calf is born at a time, but twins are possible. In the following spring or summer, the babies, called calves, are born. Their antlers fall off after mating season and the process will start over again in the next spring.
If two bulls are interested in the same cow, they will try to scare their rival off with their larger antlers and will use them to fight if necessary. Moose with fully developed antlers are more likely to attract a mate. The bulls begin preparing for mating season in the spring with the development of antlers. The bulls are so consumed by this pursuit that they don’t eat during this time. They also release a strong scent that drifts throughout their territory. Bulls will establish a territory and make a low grunting sound to attract cows. When fall arrives, moose start to hear the call to mate. Moose are also hunted, but this is generally well regulated. They can also die of parasites, excessive tick bites, or collisions with cars. 40-60 lbs.) of food each day.Īmong the predators of moose are black bears and coyotes. The word ‘moose’ actually mean ‘twig eater’ in Algonquin. They also eat leaves, twigs, buds, and bark from many types of trees, including willow, aspen, and fir trees. As herbivores, or plant-eaters, moose will eat aquatic plants. Water is very important for moose because when summer temperatures rise, moose will submerge in water to cool off. They live in forests that include ponds, streams, swamps, or other water sources. They live in the northern part of the continental United States, Alaska, and Canada. The combination of hollow outer fur and the dark brown inner fur help absorb and trap heat and keep snow from their bodies. Their overcoat fur is hollow which helps insulate their bodies against cold weather. Female moose, called cows, may have lighter brown faces. The huge bodies of moose are covered in thick, dark brown fur. Male moose, called bulls, have antlers up to 2 meters (6 ft.) in width and 18kg (40 lbs.). They can weigh 450 kilograms (a half ton!). But did you know that moose are also part of the deer family? They are the largest members, in fact.įrom their hooves to their shoulders, moose stand almost 2 meters (6 ft.) tall. When you think of members of the deer family, you probably think of the small, sleek white-tailed deer or the larger, antlered reindeer.
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