Moose Elk Alces alces

Moose Alces alces
(aka European Elk)

Dezadeash Lake, Yukon, Canada
May 2009

The moose is distributed in North America in Canada and the north of the United States and in Europe and Asia from Scandinavia across Siberia to the Pacific shore.

They are the largest existing member or the deer family with an adult standing 2 metres at the shoulder. The male has large palmate antlers but the female, seen here, is without antlers.

They are herbivores and the female usually has a single calf. Where twins are found as in this case, it indicates that food is plentiful.

An adult has few enemies but wolves, bears and cougars can go for the calves. This family were reasonably happy to feed and drink while we were in the boat but suddenly took off. About 15 minutes later a wolf appeared.

There is more information available on Wikipedia.

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