Moose

The moose is the largest living species of deer and a hoofed mammal in the genus Alces.

The moose is the largest living species of deer and a hoofed mammal in the genus Alces. It lives in cold, northern forests across North America, Europe, and Asia and is known for its long legs, large body, and the broad antlers grown by males. Moose are herbivores and are typically associated with wetlands, boreal forests, and other riparian habitats.

Description

Moose are large, long-legged deer with a dark coat and a distinctive overhanging muzzle. Males are larger than females and develop broad antlers, while females do not.

Habitat and range

The species is associated with northern forests, wetlands, and lakes. In North America it is found across Canada, Alaska, and parts of the northern United States, and it also occurs across northern Eurasia.

Diet and behaviour

Moose are browsers rather than grazers, feeding on leaves, shoots, bark, and aquatic plants. They are strong swimmers and often use water bodies while foraging or moving through habitat.

Conservation

The moose is listed as Least Concern globally, and one source reports an increasing population trend. Local populations can still vary, however, depending on habitat conditions and regional pressures.