moose
{This animal is called a ‘moose’ in North America; and is called ‘elk’ in Europe. Clarification: the word ‘elk’ in North America is used to refer to the second largest deer which is also called ‘wapiti’. Therefore, when Americans say ‘elk’, it is the ‘wapiti’ (not “moose”), and when Europeans say ‘elk’, it is the ‘moose’ (not “wapiti’)!?!}
a kind of animal – mammal – four-legged – grass-eating – large heavy body, with long thick golden brown to brown to black fur (hair), long narrow head, long flat muzzle (= mouth and nose part), relatively pointed cone-shaped ears, nose drooping over the mouth, (in males) huge, broad and flat branching antlers, a 1-2 feet long flap of hair-covered skin, known as ‘bell’ (like a dew-lap) hanging loose from the throat, relatively short neck, heavy body, long slender legs – front legs longer than the back legs, with hard hooves, relatively short tail; size: 5-7 feet tall at the shoulder, and weight 350-800 Kg (males larger than females); feeds on (eats) leaves and twigs of willow, birch, and grasses, and lichen and water lilies in winter; lives for 15-20 years; about 7 (?) seven species found in the northern hemisphere – North America, northern Europe, and parts of northern Asia
male ~~ bull
female ~~ cow
baby ~~ calf
group ~~ herd
voice (call) ~~ bellow (males)
Special Features:
The ‘moose’ is the national animals of Norway and Sweden in Europe; and the state animal of Alaska and Maine, USA.
The moose is the largest of the deer family, and the tallest deer in North America; and the longest living deer!
The moose is the symbol of wilderness in North America.
moose cow & calves
Only the male moose have antlers, and these antlers are different from the antlers of other deer. The moose antlers are flat like large plates with about 15 ends (spike-like), which some times grow to 6-7 feet wide and 35 Kg. in weight! Males, like all other deer, drop their antlers after one breeding season and grow them again the next season!
moose head trophy
Moose are hunted for sport and for their meat and kept for their milk, and the male dead moose’s heads with antlers are kept as trophies, which are stuffed and hung on walls.
Figures of Speech:
bull-moose = huge; very big
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About the Author:BC Kumar
BC Kumar, an English Language Teacher, taught in numerous countries including Ethiopia, Oman and India, shares his knowledge and passion for the English Language. Disclaimer: This is a free educational website and all content has been compiled by the author. All copyrights to images and videos belong to their respective owners.
