What do moose live in

A flap of skin called a dewlap hangs from the throat. Males are distinguished from females by their antlers, which grow up to six feet across. Moose are found in the northern regions of the United States, from Maine to Washington, throughout Canada, and into Alaska.

Due to their large size and insulating fur, moose are limited to cold climates. Forested areas with streams and ponds are ideal moose habitat. Adult moose use their antlers or hooves to defend themselves from predators like bears and wolves. The much smaller calves are easier for predators to take down, and many of them fall victim to predation before reaching their first birthday.

Moose also suffer from a predator of another sort, parasitic brain worms. White-tailed deer are carriers of the parasite, but it has no effect on them. When deer defecate, the brain worms are transferred from their waste to land snails.

When moose unknowingly eat the snails while foraging for food, they ingest the parasite. Moose are herbivores. Their favorite foods come from native willow, aspen, and balsam fir trees. They also munch on aquatic plants from streams and ponds.

Male moose, called bulls, begin to grow antlers in springtime to prepare for the autumn mating season. Large, mature bulls with well-developed antlers usually get to mate with the female moose, called cows.

When bulls are competing for the same cow, they may use their antlers to fight off their opponents. After the mating season, bulls drop their antlers.

They regrow them again in the spring. During mating season, females attract males with their deep calls and strong scent. Bull moose use their antlers in threat displays when they are fighting over females. Sometimes they will get into a pushing fight with their antlers. These fights rarely get too serious because the antlers could catch together and both moose could die. When mating season is over, the moose's antlers will fall off.

Mice and other rodents will gnaw on the antlers because they are a good source of calcium. The female gives birth during the spring or summer.

She usually has one baby. Moose calves can stand up within a day, and they can swim within a couple of weeks. Calves are weaned after about six months and will stay with their mother until the next young are born. Mothers are very protective of their calves and will charge people if they get too close. Bull moose may also charge people and even cars during mating season. Since beginning her career as a professional journalist in , Nathalie Alonso has covered a myriad of topics, including arts, culture and travel, for newspapers and magazines in New York City.

She holds a B. By using the site, you agree to the uses of cookies and other technology as outlined in our Policy, and to our Terms of Use. Winter Wonderlands Moose occur in several biomes, including tundra, taiga and temperate forests. Keeping Cool Moose are corpulent animals -- a male, or bull, can weigh more than 1, pounds -- and they are unable to sweat. Current Population Trend: Increasing.

This photo was submitted to Your Shot, our photo community on Instagram. Follow us on Instagram at natgeoyourshot or visit us at natgeo. Share Tweet Email. Go Further. Animals Wild Cities This wild African cat has adapted to life in a big city. Animals This frog mysteriously re-evolved a full set of teeth. Animals Wild Cities Wild parakeets have taken a liking to London.

Animals Wild Cities Morocco has 3 million stray dogs. Meet the people trying to help. Animals Whales eat three times more than previously thought. Environment Planet Possible India bets its energy future on solar—in ways both small and big. Environment As the EU targets emissions cuts, this country has a coal problem.

Paid Content How Hong Kong protects its sea sanctuaries. History Magazine These 3,year-old giants watched over the cemeteries of Sardinia.