Moose: a two-minute wildlife lesson

Deer and Antelopes · day 3 of 7

Five facts

1. To reach plants at the bottom of lakes, moose can dive more than 5.5 m deep. Special muscles seal their nostrils shut.
2. A bull drops his antlers after the mating season and regrows them in spring. They take three to five months to develop.
3. A bull moose's deep grunts carry up to 500 m. Cows call with wailing sounds instead.
4. Unlike most deer, moose do not form herds. A calf stays with its mother about 18 months, until she chases it away.
5. As much as half of a moose's diet is water plants like lilies and pondweed, which supply the sodium it needs.

The quiz

1. What do moose nostrils do under water?

• They fill with air
• Muscles close them (correct)
• They stay wide open
• They grow bubbles

Fatty pads and muscles shut the nostrils so water can't get in.

2. When do bull moose regrow their antlers?

• In the spring (correct)
• Right after dropping them in autumn
• In midsummer
• They never regrow

A bull regrows his antlers in spring after dropping them.

3. From how far can a bull moose's grunt be heard?

• Up to 5 metres
• Up to 50 metres
• Up to 500 metres (correct)
• Up to 5 km

A bull's grunts can carry up to 500 m.

4. How long does a moose calf typically stay with its mother?

• About 3 weeks
• About 6 months
• About 6 years
• About 18 months (correct)

Calves typically stay about 18 months, until the cow chases them away.

5. Why do moose eat so many water plants?

• They are the only food in winter
• They supply the sodium it needs (correct)
• They are very high in energy
• They keep the moose cool

Water plants supply the sodium a moose needs.

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