6 Fun Facts about Moose

Moose eat up to 70 pounds of plants every day

Moose eat a variety of plants including woody plants, shrubs, bark, and water plants. They need almost 10,000 calories each day. In the summertime, moose eat up to 70 pounds of plants every day. During the winter, they eat about 30 pounds each day. During winter, they eat buds of trees and plants.  They also snack on shrubs, pinecones, moss and twigs   

Moose calves can outrun a human by the time they’re five days old.

A moose can kick in any direction with its front hooves.

A moose can kick sideways as well as straight ahead, so keep plenty of distance if you encounter a moose. Moose are generally lazy and not aggressive. Mostly, they just want to eat. However, if they feel threatened or are protecting their calves, they may attack humans. 

Bull moose shed their antlers every season   

Once they are two years old, male moose will begin growing antler bone each April. This fast-growing tissue can grow up to 8 inches in ten days. In September, the skin covering the antlers, called velvet, will shed and the antler bone hardens. Between November and March, the antlers fall off, freeing the moose from carrying around the extra 60 or so pounds of weight. This allows them to store up more energy during the winter. Each new set of antlers, weights a bit more than the previous set. 

Moose are powerful swimmers.

Moose love water both as a source of food and a way to escape hot weather. A moose can dive to a depth of 20 feet and stay underwater for 30 seconds. They can swim for ten miles without stopping. Their hair is hollow, which helps them float while they are munching on aquatic plants.

Moose like cold weather