Enjoy the magnificence of the moose!

Lots of people have been asking about moose, so I thought I'd share these great moose facts that I gathered some time ago!  

The word "moose" comes from the Algonquin word that means "twig eater".

Moose can run up to 35 mph.

Moose are very good swimmers.  They can swim about 6 mph.  They can also put their whole body under water for up to 30 seconds...maybe more!

The male will drop its antlers after mating season.  This helps to conserve energy for winter. A new set of antlers grow in the spring.  Antlers only take 3-5 months to fully develop.  Wow, that's fast!

The flap of skin hanging from a moose's throat is called a bell.  Scientists aren't 100% positive, but they think it might help male moose attract females.

Moose noses are very sensitive.  Sometimes, a wolf may immobilize a moose by biting its nose (OUCH!).  The pain can paralyze the animal.

Moose can be domesticated.  A farm in Russia has a program where a small heard of docile moose are used for pets and milk.  And then there are domesticated moose like us!

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All moose facts gathered from http://www.livescience.com/27408-moose.html

If you have any moose pictures you'd like to share, we'd love to post them here!

"Moose is the plural of moose" AND 10 other facts about our moose friends!

HI, My name is Allegash.  I am a shy little moose who doesn't usually talk very much, but I am so excited about Muse the Moose in our Moo's upcoming book The Moose at the Manger that I wanted to share some moose facts with you.  If you read all the way to the end I have a special secret to share with you also.

Moose Facts:

 

1.         Female moose are called "cows"

2.         Female moose do not have antlers.

3.         Male moose are called "bulls". 

4.         Only mature bull moose have antlers. They can grow up to a rate of one inch per day.  Moose antlers shed before each winter and grow back in the spring.  They can get up to six feet across and weigh about 90 pounds.

5.         Moose are the largest members of the deer family.

6.         Moose tracks are heart-shaped and can measure from 4-6 inches long and 3.5 - 5.75 inches wide.

7.         The moose gets its common name from the Algonquins, which means “eater of twigs” and “one who strips the bark off of trees.”

8.         The flap of skin underneath the moose's throat is called a "bell".

9.         Moose usually eat 40-50 pounds of food each day.  A nursing moose eats about 60 pounds of food a day.     

10.      Full grown moose usually weigh about 1300 pounds.

 

 

 

And now for my BIG secret -  Soon and very soon Muse the Moose is going to make her debut appearance right here on our blog!  Rumor has it, she'll be coming here for the weekend!  Stay tuned!