Moose

Alces alces

The Moose is the largest deer in the world. The antlers of males, or bulls, may stretch more than 5 feet across and weigh up to 85 pounds. The antlers grow under a layer of living skin called "velvet," which peels off each year. Bulls shed their antlers in winter and begin growing new larger ones in spring.

Look For : A big cowlike animal, usually dark brown, but colors vary from shades of brown to pale yellow depending on the animal's age and the season. Very long legs for getting through deep snow, big antlers, and a large flap of skin hanging from the neck.

Length : Body 6-9' long, 7-8' high; tail about 7" long; 700-1,400 lb.

Habitat : Northern forests and swamps. Often seen in streamside willow thickets.

Range : Most of Canada and Alaska; in the East south to Maine, Minnesota, and Isle Royale in Lake Superior; in the West, south through Rocky Mountains to northeastern Utah and northwestern Colorado.