Did You Know?

The moose is the largest member of the deer family. It can be found in forests in northern North America, Europe and Asia. But only in North America are these animals called moose. Everywhere else they are called elk.

Here are some more interesting facts about this large, unusual animal:

• The growth of hair-covered skin which hangs from a moose’s neck is called a bell.
• Because of their long legs and short necks, moose find it hard to bend down. They often kneel to reach food on the ground or stand in water to eat plants and to drink. Sometimes they use their weight to force down young trees so they can munch on the leaves and twigs.
• A fight between bulls can be savage. After a fight, the ground will be chewed up, trees might be torn up and bark will be scattered all over the site. A battle between bulls can last a full day or longer.
• The life-span of moose is about 20 years. The only animal that threatens them is the wolf. If they are not weak from hunger they can defend themselves from wolves with their antlers and fast hooves.

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