Moose

Size

In Scandinavia moose bulls can weigh approximately 500 kg, but the North American subspecies grows to considerably larger sizes.

Ecology

Moose, also referred to as elks, are found throughout Sweden except on the island of Gotland. Moose typically inhabit the young, mixed or coniferous forests adjacent to lakes and wetlands. Modern forestry practices of large-area clearings in northern Europe, have greatly favoured the species distribution, as the moose favour the young sprouting vegetation in their diet. They are generally solitary animals, but occasionally during deep winter they will form small herds.
Antlers are the species’ male characteristics, and can weigh up to 30 kg. They are shed yearly from late November to February, and once again regrow in spring to their impressive sizes.

Food habits

The moose eats seedlings, shrubs and leaves of a variety of tree species and herbs. In winter it typically eats pine and juniper shoots.

Longevity

Moose live for 20 to 25 years.

Reproduction

During the rut the bull begins by urinating into wallows, the shallow depressions in the earth floor created by him earlier, and follows to roll in them to further distribute the scent on its body. Moose cows strongly respond to this scent, and bulls clash antler to antler in shoving matches to attract as many cows as possible.
The gestation period is 8 months. Younger cows often give birth to only a single calf, whereas older cows usually have 2, in rare cases 3 calves. The calves remain with their mother during their first year.

Conservation status

Extensive hunting had reduced moose numbers drastically, until a small population remained in central Sweden towards the end of the 19th century. At that time the introduction of their total protection, followed by the strict regulation of hunting helped in the restoration of the population numbers. Today, moose populations in Sweden total approximately 400,000 animals, and during the annual autumn hunting season about 100,000 of these are shot and killed.