The moose is the largest species of deer, growing to a height of six feet (1.8 meters) and weighing more than a thousand pounds (450 kilograms). They have hollow, light to dark brown hairs that trap air and act as insulation. Skin flaps called dewlaps hang from the throat. Males can develop antlers that are up to six feet across, which can be used to distinguish them from females.
The antlers or hooves of adult moose are used to defend themselves against wolves and bears. Predators can easily ᴋɪʟʟ the significantly smaller calves because they are easier to catch, and many do so before they turn one year old. Parasitic brain worms are another species of predator that feeds on moose. Despite having the parasite, wʜɪᴛe-tailed deer are not ᴅᴀᴍᴀɢᴇd by it. When land snails urinate, brain worms are transferred from deer dung to them. The parasite is mistakenly consumed by moose while they are foraging for food when they eat the snails.
Bull moose begin growing antlers in the spring in preparation for the ᴍᴀᴛɪɴɢ season in the fall. Large, mature bulls with well-developed antlers frequently get the upper hand when ᴍᴀᴛɪɴɢ with cows in moose. Bulls who are ғɪɢʜᴛing for the same cow may use their antlers to fend off competitors.
Before leaving to live alone, the young calves spend a year with their moms. Even though moose have a lifespan of more than 20 years in the wild, many of them start to exhibit aging symptoms considerably early. 10 to 12 years are considered to be the typical lifespan.