Physical Description
In the Americas the Elk is is commonly known as the Moose. The Moose is the largest species of deer. It has a distinctive and easily recognisable appearance, which is unlike that of any other species of deer. Its stature is instantly recognisable, it having a rather humped back, long thin legs, and a large bulky head. Its body is short in length but large and bulky. The Moose has a rather front heavy appearance, the shoulders being well-developed and large in size. Males and females are similar in appearance, but males are larger and stockier than the females.
Moose have the largest and heaviest antlers of any deer. Only the males carry antlers. The antlers can be up to 2 metres in length, and weigh as much as 35 kilograms. The antlers grow horizontally from head, and point slightly backwards. They have a broad palmate shape, often being described as being 'shovel like'. However some Moose grow antlers, which are not broad, but more like the antlers seen in other deer species. The size of the antlers depends on the area in which they live, and the physical condition of the animal. Older more mature males have the largest sized antlers. The antlers are lost each year between December and March, and a new set begins to grow in April. The antlers are fully-grown and ready for use by August.
Distribution & Habitat
Moose occur in the northern forest areas of Asia, Europe and North America. They have a large distribution, occurring from Eastern Europe and Scandinavia across temperate Asia into Siberia. In the north Americas they occur in Alaska, Canada and northern-western parts of the United States. In Europe they are expanding there range westwards, because the hunting pressure has been reduced in these parts.
Moose are mostly a forest living animal. They are most often seen around woodland glades and clearings, or along forest streams and rivers. They also occur in more open habitats such as moorland, and marshland. In the summer months they will move away from the forest and onto the tundra plains.
