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10 Truly Fascinating Facts About Moose

The moose, which is also known as elk in some countries, is the largest member of the deer family. It is a member of the New World deer subfamily and usually lives in forests and subarctic temperatures in the northern hemisphere. Despite the fact that moose are quite big and heavy, they primarily eat plants that can be found in both waters and on dry land.

They also have a lot of predators. These enormously attractive animals are regularly hunted in the wild by wolves, bears, and people. These beautiful animals, however, may put up a good fight if they become alarmed. Even just their antlers have a considerable quantity of destructive power. More so, their big physique and powerful, quick legs also help them defend themselves, there are a lot more fascinating facts about this king-sized animal, so read on and be amazed. 

1. They are the largest of the deer species

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Moose are not only the largest but also the heaviest of the deer species. A male moose can weigh anything from 900 to 1,800 pounds, with the average weight being around 1,200 pounds. A female moose can weigh between 400 and 1,100 pounds, and her offspring typically weigh around 30 pounds when they are born. When fully grown, it’s said that only their antlers can weigh up to 40 pounds!

2. They run a lot faster than humans

Despite being somewhat hefty and massive, moose are still excellent runners. Moose are actually very swift animals. At a top speed of 35 mph, they run far more quickly than people. They attempt to run as often as they can to live a long and healthy life, reducing the risk of getting arthritis or osteoporosis, because despite their long legs being fairly thin, they can grow to be over 6 feet tall.

3. Moose love to cool off by swimming

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Because they are not only excellent swimmers but also fantastic divers, moose enjoy cooling off in the water during hot seasons and warmer temperatures. They can hold their breath for a minute and dive as deep as 20 feet. Their big noses practically have the ability to act as valves, shutting out any water and enabling them to remain submerged for longer periods of time.

Not only do they dive to cool off, but they also look for underwater plants. In order to chew or swallow, moose do not even have to wait until they are above the water.

4. They dive in water for food sources

In the northern hemisphere, moose are commonly found near water since they depend on aquatic plants as well. This allows them to swim in ocean water and dive for food sources. As a result, they are not just threatened by wolves and bears. In reality, there have been a number of accounts from observers and scientists describing how wild Orcas frequently attack and feast on both deer and moose!

5. Moose are not as aggressive as people think

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Moose have a negative reputation for being characterised as violent wild animals. They prefer to dwell in peace, far from other animals and people, especially. Yet, they will defend themselves if they are assaulted or bothered. It is advised to keep a considerable distance from them if you come across them in the wild. It may be a sign that you have gotten too close if you notice a moose getting more and more agitated.

6. They are one of the least social animals

Moose are regarded as one of the least social animals on Earth because they prefer to live in quiet alone. Except during mating season, they normally live most of their lives alone. Male and female moose may be present in large groups during this season, often vying for mates. The mother will spend a brief period of time with the young after they have reproduced before eventually separating and beginning the cycle all over again.

7. Moose feed both on terrestrial and aquatic vegetation

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Moose eat both land and watery vegetation for food. Fruits, nuts, seeds, and plants of all kinds are bountiful in their diet. Yet, their diet varies based on their location and the season. An adult moose consumes up to forty pounds of plant matter every day on average, regardless of where they live.

Because moose’s nutrition depends so much on the seasons, they mainly eat more before the winter, storing as much fat as they can for when the plants die during the cold season. The moose will seek out as many plants, tall grasses, and fruits as they can once spring blooms and there are more plant sources available.

8. They almost always reside in forests 

Because they live mostly in the northern hemisphere, moose are nearly always found in forests or big areas that are abundant in both flora and trees. They often hang around near lakes, swamps, rivers, and other bodies of open water because they graze on aquatic vegetation.

They are mostly found in Alaska, Washington, and Maine within the United States. They can also be found in Europe and Canada. However, they are commonly referred to as elk in Europe.

9. Moose shed their antlers every winter 

Between mid-November and early March each year, moose shed their antlers. They will start to decompose as soon as their antlers fall to the ground and even become a source of protein for ground creatures like squirrels. A moose’s usual growth period for a new pair is two to three months. While they are young, however, they do not begin to develop antlers until they are at least two years old.

10. Moose used to be domesticated in Russia

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Moose are found in North America, Europe, and Russia since they live in the northern hemisphere. In fact, they are constantly called elk in Europe and rubber-nosed swamp donkeys in Canada, but those aren’t the only places where these big animals have been given unusual names or uses.

Under Joseph Stalin’s rule, it was rumoured that moose in the Soviet Union once tried to be tamed and trained as a kind of cavalry or military corps. Although this knowledge is often dismissed as a hoax, the rubber-nosed animal seems to be capable of anything.

If you ever see a moose please remember that they like their space and if you’re an introvert then you know that this could be your spirit animal! they enjoy their alone time and have interesting hobbies like swimming.