“THE moose is singularly
grotesque and awkward to look at. Why should it stand so high at the
shoulders? Why have so long a head?” The 19th-century writer of those
words, Henry David Thoreau, was hardly alone in his appraisal of the
moose. Its comical appearance and the rarity of sightings of this
solitary creature in the wild have fueled speculation that the moose is
clumsy and slow-witted. Is that true? Researchers in North America and
Eurasia have uncovered many facts about this unusual animal.
No one denies that the moose is
a giant. Although this “monarch of the forest” has long legs that make
it seem ungainly, those legs can
fend off an entire pack of wolves.
Moose learn to swim within days of birth, and they have been observed
swimming for miles and diving to a depth of nearly 20 feet (6 m) to feed
on water plants!
A moose can move its eyes and detect motion almost directly behind it
without turning its head. Its nose is also an effective tool.
Researchers suggest that because the moose’s nostrils are far apart,
they may give it the unusual ability to pinpoint the location of objects
on a three-dimensional scale. The moose’s hearing adds another
ingredient to its sensory package. Its ears can pivot in all directions,
and they can pick up sounds from other moose as far as two miles (3 km) away!
Moose calves, described by one writer as “ridiculously cute,” tend to be
curious and carefree. Their mothers, called cows, protect them by
providing tender and loyal care. Cows will attack any who prey on their
young, including wolves, bears, and even humans. Finally, when the calf
is about a year old and its mother is newly pregnant, the mother
aggressively drives it away so that the yearling can begin caring for
itself.
SURVIVAL IN THE NORTH
Since moose feed exclusively on
plants, how do they survive cold winters? Partly by gorging themselves
during warmer weather. Moose eat up to 50 pounds (23 kg) of forage
daily, whether this vegetation is grown ten feet (3 m) above the ground
or underwater. They make the most of this food by digesting it in a
four-chambered stomach, extracting needed nutrients and building up fat.
The moose, however, faces other dangers in winter.
Bitter cold and deep snow test a
moose’s endurance. It favors a quiet life in the winter, economizing
movement and retaining heat under its well-designed fur coat. Escape
from wolves in the snow is especially difficult, but often, an even
greater hazard to the moose is man
Moose love the concentrated
nutrients found in road salt, which is spread on many northern highways
to melt snow. However, because moose have dark fur and tend to cross
roads after sunset, drivers have difficulty spotting them in time to
avoid collisions. Both humans and moose have lost their lives because of
this.
A PLAYFUL BEAST
Moose have been observed
playfully attacking ocean waves and blissfully bathing in hot springs.
There is tenderness evident between cows and bulls during the rut, and a
cow’s loyalty to her calf is truly heartwarming. Calves adopted by
humans have even formed maternal bonds with their keepers. Dr. Valerius
Geist observes: “This strange animal with the ungainly face can be quick
witted, affectionate, and loyal to a fault.”
Moose calves tend to be curious and carefree
A word of caution, though:
The moose is a very strong and powerful wild animal. If you happen to
see one in the wild, be respectful and give it plenty of space. Keeping
your distance is especially vital when there are young calves nearby. Be
assured, however, that even from a safe distance, you will be amazed
while gazing at this peculiar giant of the forest.
Source: jw.org
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