Moose

The moose is the biggest species of deer. The word moose comes from the Algonquin languages in North America. However, they have inhabited northern climes around the world, and are known as elk in other continents.  The males, called bullmoose, grow magnificent antlers each year as mating season approaches, and they shed them by winter. The antlers are broad and curve upward, like open hands or giant lettuce leaves. Moose are kinda like the Great Horned Owls of the deer - they tend to be loners while other deer gather in small flocks. They eat grasses and shrubs and new shoots on trees - and also eat vegetation from streams, ponds, and swamps. Because of their largeness, they require lots of food. They can eat under water and they can swim, and will seek water to cool down in the heat and avoid stinging flies.

There is much evidence to support that moose once inhabited a large range in the US and Canada. This is much reduced due to drought, climate change, and human encroachment over the past couple of centuries.

Their unusual, almost humorous, appearance, however, attracts affection from many humans. A moose was mascot for the TV program 'Northern Exposure', and 'Bullwinkle' is a cartoon character who, along with his best friend 'Rocky the Squirrel', has amused viewers for several decades. 'Nothing up my sleeve!'