Description
The European moose is the largest member of the deer family. It lives in the northern forests of Europe, Asia, and America. In the Czech lands, it was hunted to extinction during the Middle Ages. It feeds on the leaves of birch, willow, and rowan trees, as well as aquatic and marsh plants. Because of its size, it consumes up to 50 kilograms of food a day and therefore needs to migrate in search of food. Moose are well adapted to moving across soft ground: their legs, equipped with spreadable hooves, have a large supporting surface. They can move at speeds of up to 50 km/h and are good swimmers. The antlers of a bull moose can weigh up to 60 kilograms and reach a span of 250 centimeters, with a shape resembling paddles. Moose shed them every year. A cow’s gestation lasts around 36 weeks; she gives birth to one to three calves and suckles them for about four months. Moose can live for up to 20 years.