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Home > Coniferous Forest Animals > Alaskan Moose

Alaskan Moose

The largest extant subspecies of the deer family along with the Chukotka moose, the Alaska moose inhabits most of Northwestern North America. While the males have antlers, like many other deer species, they lose their antlers around December & January, and regain them during the spring.

Alaska Moose

Alaska Moose

Alaskan Moose

Alaskan Moose

Scientific Classification

KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassMammalia
OrderArtiodactyla
FamilyCervidae
GenusAlces
SpeciesA. alces
Scientific NameAlces alces gigas
Alaskan Moose in Snow

Alaskan Moose in Snow

Alaska Moose Pictures

Alaska Moose Pictures

Quick Information

Other NamesGiant Moose, Alaska Moose, Elk (in Europe)
How big are theyMales (bulls) average height at shoulders: 6.9ft (2.1m)

Females (cows) average shoulder height: 5.9ft (1.8m)

Average Male Weight: 1,399lb (634.5kg)

Average Female Weight: 1,054lb (478kg)

ColorBlack to grayish-brown; juveniles have reddish-brown coloring on the pelage
DistributionAlaska to western Yukon
Where do they liveBoreal and Deciduous forests
Communication

Not a very vocal species, most vocalizations occur during the rut; females make long, vibrating moaning call after attaining estrus. Males make grunting noises during mating or before fights. Both sexes make a guttural roaring sound as a threat or warning.

They also communicate through scent-marking

LifespanUp to 16 years
DietEquisetum, pond weeds, sedges and grasses in spring, leaves of willow, birch and aspen in summer, and birch, willow and aspen twigs during the fall and winter
Adaptations
  • Long guard hairs and underfur provide insulation from cold
  • A robust tongue and lips help in chewing woody vegetation
Breeding SeasonLate August to Early October
Gestation Period230 days
Number of Offspring1; twins may be born
DiseasesChronic Wasting Disease
PredatorsBears, wolves
IUCN Conservation StatusLeast Concern

Behavior

Alaskan moose are solitary animals, congregating only during the mating season. They become rather aggressive during this period, and attack any creature that startles it.

Alaska Bull Moose

Alaska Bull Moose

Alaska Moose Antlers

Alaska Moose Antlers

Mating & Reproduction

Fights over mating rights between two males are very common during the rut with the defeated party having to wait another year for his turn.

Life-cycle

At birth, calves have a weight of around 28lb (12.7kg), but they grow rapidly and weigh as much as 10 times that number within 5 months. They are weaned at around the same time the mother is ready to breed again. At around 10-11 months, the juveniles leave their mothers and start to fend for and feed by themselves. Females reach sexual maturity at 28 months.

 Alaska Baby Moose

Alaska Baby Moose

Alaska Moose Female

Alaska Moose Female

Interesting Facts

  • The antlers of the male Alaskan moose are the largest in the deer family.
  • The Alaskan moose is widely hunted throughout its range and its meat is considered a delicacy in those snow-laden regions.
  • The antlers of two fighting bulls sometimes get locked, and they eventually starve to death.
Alaskan Moose Size

Alaskan Moose Size

Alaskan Moose Hunt

Alaskan Moose Hunt

References

  1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alaska_moose
  2. http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=moose.main
  3. https://animalia.bio/alaska-moose
  4. https://animalia.bio/alaska-moose

Published on October 13th 2016 by Sudipto Chakrabarti under Coniferous Forest Animals.
Article was last reviewed on 9th May 2023.

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