Taiga Animals

Moose

Moose

Class: Mammalia: Mammals Diet: Plants
Order: Artiodactyla: Even-toed Ungulates 
Size: body: 2.5 - 3 m (8 1/4 - 9 3/4 ft), tail: 5 - 7.5 cm (2 - 3 in)
Family: Cervidae: Deer Conservation Status: Non-threatened
Scientific Name: Alces alces Habitat: coniferous forest, often near lakes and rivers
Range: Northern Europe and Asia: Scandinavia to Siberia; Alaska, Canada, Northern U.S.A.; introduced in New Zealand 

Size of MooseThe largest of the deer, the moose is identified by its size, its broad, overhanging muzzle and the flap of skin, known as the bell, hanging from its throat. The massive antlers of the male are flattened and palmate, with numerous small branches. The moose is less gregarious than other deer and is usually alone outside the breeding season. In winter, it feeds on woody plants, but in summer, water plants provide the bulk of its food.  It wades into water to feed and swims well. Following an 8-month gestation, the female gives birth to a single calf, very rarely to twins. The calf is suckled for about 6 months but stays with its mother for a year.

Range of Moose
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