The largest deer in the world - The Moose
Covering northern Eurasia and most of Canada, Alaska, a portion of the continental United States including down the Rocky Mountains, northern Maine, and northern Minnesota, the moose is indeed the largest deer in the world. The moose crossed into North America across the Bering Land Bridge over a million years ago. From there they spread across the northern part of the continent.
The deer family has members that have hooves, antlers that are shed yearly, chew cud, and have no upper incisors. Other members of the deer family include the deer, caribou, and elk.
Not exactly graceful looking, a bull moose can be over seven feet tall at the shoulders, be over ten feet long, and weigh up to an average high weight of 1,400 pounds. Rarely, there have been moose weighing up to 1,800 pounds. Not often noticed is a moose’s tail, which is about 3 inches long. The long legs of the moose can elevate it over 40 inches above the ground. Probably one of the most obvious characteristics is a bull’s antler. They can be six feet across and weigh close to 100 pounds.
The color of a moose ranges from brown to a reddish-brown to black. Albinos are rare and melanism (black) is not noticed, as some are normally colored black. Hair is hollow for insulation. They have 32 teeth.
Moose browse and prefer twigs and brush as diet. Having long legs that can lift their bellies 40 inches off of the ground, moose can reach browse up to 10 feet high. Awkward, because of their height, a moose will browse on surface plants on the water and will also eat underwater growth. They have been known to be a nuisance, as they will eat from farm fields and gardens, as well.
Moose tend to live where there is little disturbance from humans. They will band together. Their long legs give them an advantage in winter as it takes a 30-inch snow depth before its belly starts to drag. When it lies down, the snow is compressed and gives insulation from the ground. Not liking wind, the moose will seek cover to avoid it.
With poor eyesight, the moose’s hearing and smell are excellent. They communicate with grunts, often imitated by hunters. Calves tend to bleat.
Moose, because of their long legs, move with long strides. They have been clocked at 45 miles per hour. Not usually considered jumpers, they have been observed clearing a six-foot tall fence.
Not migrating animals, like birds and caribou, the moose can still have the urge to move long distances. Moose Brainwork, a parasite found in the central and eastern parts of North America, starts in the whitetail deer’s head, then enters their blood streams where they go to their lungs, are coughed up, digested, and left in deer droppings. Snails and slugs then become infected. The moose eats the snails and slugs and then becomes infected.
Moose infected with Brain worm seem to have some combination of signs including walking aimlessly in circles, paralysis, and showing no fear. They can die as a result of being struck by motor vehicles on roadways and face other consequences, as they often do not avoid predators such as man and wolf. Infected animals have been seen far out of their normal range as far south as Iowa. I had heard of a moose being seen in Arkansas, but cannot confirm this sighting.
Moose rut in September and October. This rut lasts about six weeks. A bull moose should be avoided during this time as they do concentrate on their efforts and could be dangerous. After a gestation period of around 240 days, calves are born in May or June. A single animal the first year and twins thereafter are born. Young weigh about 25 pounds and are protected by the cow. In about five days, calves are capable of outrunning a man. Shortly thereafter, the calves teach the young to swim. The calves stay with the mother until it is time for her to give birth again. She then shoos them away.
In addition to the Brain worm, moose have other obstacles to deal with in life. Wolves who concentrate on the weak, sick, and old, bear who concentrate on calves, wolverine and lynx that concentrate on starving moose, and deer who compete for food, take their toll. Insects such as flies and ticks make life miserable and can harm moose.
Hunting is very controlled. Those interested in hunting these magnificent animals must first apply to be put in a lottery. Those drawn (it is a once in a lifetime hunt in Minnesota) must take a class to have their licenses validated. Parties of two, three, or four may take one moose. I was lucky to draw a license and shoot a bull moose during the 2002 Minnesota season. The moose is excellent eating.
There have been recent concerns regarding moose populations in Minnesota. The moose are still there but do appear to have moved from near roads to deeper in the woods. The moose lives to, on the average, up to 15 years on average and can live up to age 25.
During a trip to the Isabella, MN area, near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area wilderness, I photographed and I was very impressed with their size, seeing one that appeared to be, when sideways, and taking up most of the road. Another came out of the woods to my left while I was driving down a deserted road. Being about ten feet away, it startled me and I slammed on the brakes. It then trotted about fifty feet in front of the truck where it turned its head towards me with a condescending look. I did not know if it was challenging or not, and I surely was not going to test it. I waited, took some photographs, and then watched it saunter off into the woods. I have made numerous trips to Alaska and observed many moose. The Alaskan Bull Moose usually is noticeably larger than those seen in Minnesota.
