Moose are among the largest living land mammals in North America. They eat plants other animals cannot, like wintergreen and woody plants from birch and aspen trees. For some unknown reason, moose populations have been declining for years.

Fun Facts About Moose

1. Moose are huge

Sometimes people use the word "moose" to mean an animal with antlers. That is true, but moose are not just animals with antlers. A mature male moose can weigh up to 1,800 pounds—they are among the largest of all land mammals. On average, male moose weigh about 881 lbs (400 kg), and females weigh about 771 lbs (350 kg).

2. Bull moose shed their antlers each year

Moose have antlers that rub against trees and shrubs until they fall off. Male moose use antlers to show other males that they are strong enough to win the right to mate with a female.

Male moose grow antlers that increase in weight and size annually. Afterward, a yearly cycle begins in which their antlers start to grow in the Spring and grow until September when the velvets covering them dry and fall off.

3. Moose can live up to 20 years in the wild

Over 50% of moose are killed by predators such as bears and wolves while still young. The ones that survive hunters and predators can live up to 20 years in the wild, much longer than many other large animals. Elephants have a life expectancy of about 50 years, while giraffes only live about 25 years!