Moose Facts and Taxonomy

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Moose Facts

A Moose is a large deer-like mammal with broad Antlers and a growth of skin hanging from the neck.

The word “moose” has it’s orogin in native north-American languages. It’s reference to the European “elk” came much later, and does create problems as there are other species correctly known as elk. A mature male moose is called a bull, a mature female a cow, and a young moose a calf

Name in other Languages:

Average Height

1.4 to 2.1 m (4.6 to 6.9 ft)

Average Weight

380 to 700 kg (838 to 1,543 lb)

Average Lifespan

15 to 25 years in the wild

Average Offspring

1 to 2

Gestation period

243 days

Running Speed

56 km/h (34.7 mph)

Neaviest Antlers

36 kg (79 lb)

Est Global Population

1 million +

Activity Period

Diurnal

Diet

Herbivorous

Moose Taxonomy

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Mammalia

Order: Artiodactyla

Family: Cervidae

Genus: Alces

Species: Alces alces

Classification and Species

The Moose is in the same Family as the Deer.

There are 8 subspecies identified:

European Elk – Alces alces alces
Yakutia or Mid-Siberian Elk – Alces alces pfizenmayeri
Ussuri or Manchurian Elk – Alces alces cameloides
Chukotka or East Siberian Elk – Alces alces buturlini
Eastern Moose – Alces alces americana
Western Moose – Alces alces andersoni
Alaskan Moose – Alces alces gigas
Yellowstone Moose – Alces alces shirasi

REMEMBER:

Click this “COMPLETE” button when you have finished this LESSON, otherwise it will not register as completed.

THEN

After the Lesson reloads. click on the “COMPLETE COURSE” button on the right to finish the Course, and earn the rewards!