This moose was taken by the side
of the road in Trinity Bay
It was taken in August 2002 by M Short.
Some interesting Facts about the majestic moose:
The moose, Alces alces, standing higher
than a large saddle horse, is truly a magnificent animal, and
the world's largest living member of the deer family.
Native to Labrador.
Introduced to Gander Bay, NF in 1878 and to Howley, NF in 1904.
Habitat
Moose are found on the wooded
hillsides of the rocky western mountain ranges, along the
margins of ponds, lakes and rivers of the boreal forest, swamps,
bogs and also on the northern tundra. They also can be found in
fresh water feeding.
Range Moose extend from the Alaska
boundary all across Canada to the eastern tip of Newfoundland.
Food
During the winter it feeds on
twigs and shrubs - about (18 - 22 kg) (40 to 50 pounds) a day.
In the summer moose eat many types of leaves of trees and shrubs
such as birch and maple. They also feed on water plants
consuming a total of (22 - 27 kg) (50 to 60 lbs.) a day
Lifespan Moose can live 20 years or
more in the wild.
Appearance
Males have palmate flat antlers
with small prongs projecting. The front legs are longer than the
back giving the moose a humped appearance. It has a short and
stubby hairy tail, short neck, long nose, and ears like a mule.
Under the throat hangs a pendant of fur about a foot long called
a bell. In color the moose is dark brown to reddish brown with grayish
white legs.
Notes:
-An
important big game animal for meat and has become an important
part of Newfoundland culture
-Moose
can swim as fast as two men paddling a canoe and run up to
56 kmph on land.
-In
North America the moose is the largest member of the deer
family
-Four
animals were introduced to Newfoundland (Howley) in 1904
from New Brunswick.
-In
1930 Newfoundland had its first hunting season for moose.
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