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MOOSE FACTS
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by Glenn Walnum
Alces alces andersoni, the woodland moose also located in the Yukon. Alces alces shirasi also known as the "Wyoming" or "Yellowstone" moose) are the smallest subspecies in the North America located in Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and parts of Canada.
Moose are quite large. Adults ranging from several hundred pounds up to 1000 lbs for the smaller species up to over 1500lbs for the larger species. They range in shoulder height from 6.5 to over 7 feet tall and have a length of 8 to 10 feet. The antlers, which only the bulls have, can be up to 6 feet (tip to tip) and can weigh up to 40 lbs. Female moose or cows are smaller then the males. In spite of their size, moose can move through underbrush very quietly.
Moose have poor vision, but what they lack in sight they make up for with a keen sense of smell and hearing.
When alarmed, they will often trot away with long, smooth strides. However, it should be noted that they may also choose to defend themselves if they feel threatened, especially if they are in their mating season or have newborns they must protect.
It is important to keep your distance when site seeing for and photographing moose. Don't let their lack of interest in you be confused with thinking that the moose thinks your a friend.
Works of art made from antlers.
