Spring Break

Moose weigh 700 to 1400 pounds and stand 61/2 to 71/2 feet at the shoulder.  Moose are the largest members of the Deer family.  They are found in Canada, Eurasia, Alaska, Rocky Mountains and increasingly in northern New England.  They are easily recognized by their size, dark brown to black color, large ears and muzzle, pendulous dewlap and, on males, large palmate antlers.  The antlers are shed each year in December or January and new ones are grown each spring.  New antlers are covered with a furry covering, called velvet, which is full of blood vessels for the growing antlers.  The velvet is scraped off once the antlers are fully grown.  Moose are generally solitary except during the fall breeding season.  They inhabit coniferous forests and can be seen browsing willows, twigs, bark, and aquatic vegetation.  Their long legs make them well suited for wading and capable of moving easily through deep snow.  Moose breed in fall and give birth in late spring, often to twins.  Females are very protective of their young and can be dangerous and unpredictable.  Calves stay with their mothers for one year.