Moose Habitat
A Few Facts About The Moose Habitat
Moose roam the wilds of Alaska, yet the moose habitat may still be in danger. Moose are the largest deer on the planet, and are found generally in the northern hemisphere. The population of moose in any specific area is directly impacted by human conservation, and at the other end, by human exploitation. In North America, recent studies have found that the populations of moose are expanding into new areas and reclaiming areas they once gave up to loggers or other businesses.
The Alaskan moose, also called the tundra moose, is the largest moose, both in antler size and in overall size. Their habitat is still fairly undisturbed in many areas. Even where pipelines have been laid, it is not unusual to see moose right along the line, where the snow melts faster and more grass is available. The Alaskan moose habitat includes swamps, lakes and the northern forest areas. They graze in open country, and are readily abundant in areas recently cleared or burned, as well as along the major rivers.
Moose are tall and leggy animals, with a long stride. They are built for running, but they don't do this much unless they are disturbed. They can run in rivers that flow through the moose habitat they make their home, and they are powerful swimmers.
Moose are between six and seven feet tall when measured at the withers, which is the point where the back meets the neck. Like horses, they are good at sleeping when standing upright. Their weight may fluctuate with the seasons.
Moose survival depends on the abundance food in the area they inhabit. The way they adapt to their surroundings determines the area of moose habitat they settle in, as they migrate or move to areas with more food available.
Moose colors range from brownish-black to golden-brown. The upper torso and neck are usually a shade of ochre, and the lower legs are usually light brown. The moose lose their coats twice a year, and a new season's growth replaces them.
Moose cannot see very well, so they depend more on their senses of smell and hearing to hunt food. They are tall enough to be able to survey much of the land around them. Moose communication involves gestures, visual expressions and vocalizations. Antlers also help moose signal each other.
Moose habitat areas usually include flowing water and birch and aspen trees. They will sometimes stay predominantly alone, or they may stay in small groups. They may join groups if feeding areas are hard to find, since each member can forage for new feeding areas. Their summer grazing takes them into the mountains, but they return to the lowlands in the winter.