Moose (Click image to enlarge) 
Moose (Click image to enlarge) |
Moose Alces alces Taxonomically speaking, Moose are members of the family Cervidae, a group that includes Elk, or Wapiti, Caribou, and the familiar White-tailed Deer, among other species. Moose are the largest members of this family, with many adults weighing in excess of 1,000 pounds and achieving the size of a horse. In the United States, moose are found in the north, along the border of Canada, mostly in Minnesota, northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, as well as in Maine and other parts of New England, with additional populations in the northern Rocky Mountain states. These individuals were photographed in Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario, where they grazed unconcernedly along the major road through the park. On backpacking and canoeing trips through that same park I regularly encountered moose standing in ponds, either with their heads submerged in the water or munching contentedly on aquatic vegetation. Perhaps standing in water gave them some relief from biting insects, but the number of engorged ticks on some of these animals was pretty shocking. On more than one occasion while hiking on Isle Royale I sensed that something large was nearby and discovered, sometimes with considerable effort, that a large moose was standing close at hand, eyeing me warily. Once they realize they've been seen, most individuals amble away at steady speed with a quietness that is surprising for a creature of such size. Humans and wolves are their principal enemies. |
