Wednesday, January 25, 2006

Shiras' moose facts

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Large bull moose are common along the South Fork of the Snake River in Swan Valley. Express photo by Ken Retallic

· Shiras' moose are the smallest of the four North American subspecies, weighing between 600-1400 pounds. Alaskan moose (Alces alces gigas) can weigh up to 1,800 pounds.

· A Shiras' bull moose can grow to 7feet tall at the shoulder and can be 10 feet in length. Female moose are about three quarters the size.

· Antlers can be 60 inches in width and weigh up to 50 pounds.

· Breeding occurs from mid-September through mid-October. Females attract males with both calls and scent.

· Moose generally avoid human contact, but during the rut they are unpredictable and may charge people and cars.

· Most calves are born near the end of May. A yearling calf will stay with its mother until new calves are born. Cows with calves are highly aggressive and dangerous.

· Moose eat leaves, twigs, bark, and buds of hardwood and softwood trees and shrubs. In the summer they feed heavily on aquatic plants such as water lilies, which are rich in minerals. They will eat 40 to 60 pounds of food a day.

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· In spring and summer, moose are typically found in marshy areas and meadows. During winter they move deeper into forests.

· Moose can run up to 36 mph for short distances, and can stay under water for up to 40 seconds in search of food.