 |
Moose
Description
Bulls (males) average a weight of 500 kilograms, however may weigh as much as
700 to 750 kilograms. Cows (females) are lighter in weight. Both sexes stand about 2 meters at the
shoulder. The body is bulky with a short, stubby tail and a
disproportionately large head. The long, square muzzle ends with an overhanging
upper lip. Moose of both sexes have a "bell" that hangs under the
throat. This is a flap of skin covered with hair that grows as long as 25 cm on
males. The bell is used in communication, both visual and olfactory. The large
surface of the bell in bull moose transfers scents to the cows during their
"chinning" behaviour. The size and shape of the bell on bulls may be a
secondary indicator of sex, relative to age and rank, especially during the antlerless
period.
 Moose
have long legs which are suited for ploughing through deep snow, walking
over bushes and logs, and wading through muskeg. Their normal gait is a
walk, but they occasionally trot in a stiff-legged manner. They seldom
gallop unless frightened. With this peculiar rocking motion, they can attain
a speed of 55 kilometres per hour.
Thick hides and warm coats insulate the moose against the winter cold. A difference
of as much as 20°C may be registered between the air temperature and the hide
of the moose. A fine undercoat of grey wool, and coarse, scaly guard hairs helps
to retain heat. The coat is about 10 centimetres long on the body, but may grow to 20
centimetres
on the neck and shoulders. In spring, the old, faded coat is shed and replaced
with a short, dark brown coat. In late summer, the guard hairs grow longer
and produce a rich, reddish, brown-black coat. The underhair thickens in
September to provide additional warmth for the coming winter months.
 Moose are well-known for their distinctive palmate antlers. Only bulls grow them
and the rack is in its prime when the animal is about six years of age. During
the first year a moose may grow short stubs and yearlings may develop one or two
forks. As the moose ages, a characteristic shovel shape develops, and the
antlers form points on both sides.
Antlers begin growing in April and reach their
maximum size in August or September. They are covered with skin and hair, or
"velvet". In late August, the blood supply to the velvet is cut off
and it starts to shed, aided by the moose rubbing the antlers against trees.
Continuous scraping of the antlers signifies the start of the breeding season.
After about a week, the velvet is completely shed and the white antlers begin to
stain brown. Older bulls lose their antlers in December, following the rut,
while the younger males may keep theirs as late as February.
|
