Community Magazine December 2016

Did You Know? Moose are the only deer that are able to feed underwater! Exploring the Wild World of Animals EFRAIM HARARI THE MOOSE The moose is the largest member of the deer family, as well as one of the tallest mammals (second to the bison) that inhabit North America. Moose are most noted for their huge antlers (which only the males have). The antlers can span six feet across, from tip to tip, and are quite heavy; they can actually weigh up to seventy pounds! The moose has a long face; a flap of skin called a bell or a dewlap that hangs under its throat; large ears; a humped back; a short tail; and a massive body. It also has long, thin legs. The front legs are longer than the rear legs, which helps when the moose needs to jump over fallen trees and other obstacles in the forest. Its thick fur, which is usually brown, keeps the moose nice and warm in cold environments. The height of a moose, from hoof to shoulder, can exceed six and a half feet, while its weight can be over 1500 pounds. And this is not even including the moose’s antlers! The females, however, are not as tall or as heavy as the males. Moose prefer to live in colder climates and usually inhabit areas that have seasonal snow cover. In the winter, they inhabit forests, and during the summer, they tend to live in areas close to rivers and streams. You can find moose living in the northern United States, Canada, and Europe. Moose usually do most of their activities at sunrise and at sunset. Activities include searching for new grazing areas, eating, and resting. Although the moose is a huge beast, it is an herbivore and fills itself up by consuming large amounts of grasses and plants. In the warm months, the moose will graze on the leaves, twigs of hardwood and softwood trees, and shrubs. It will even venture into streams, lakes, and rivers to feed on aquatic plants such as pondweed and water lilies. In the winter, the moose eats pinecones, shrubs, and woody plants like the twigs and bark of the willow and dogwood trees. It will also use its large hooves to dig beneath the snow to find any remaining mosses. Although the moose is a peaceful animal, it can become very aggressive – toward both humans and animals – if it feels threatened. Unfortunately, some people do provoke these peaceful creatures, and that is why there are more recorded moose attacks on people than attacks from bears and wolves combined. Thankfully, the injuries incurred by a moose attack are generally minor. 72 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE