Mighty moose

Across North America

moose populations are
in steep decline.

Moose range

CANADA
Prefer to live near water
with snow cover during
winter; limited to cold
U.S. regions because of
inability to sweat

Up to 6 ft. (1.8 m)
Size Height at shoulder 5-6.5 ft.
(1.5-2 m), females slightly smaller
Weight Up to 1,800 lb. (820 kg)
Behavior Good swimmers;
can run up to 35 mph (56 kph)
Food Twigs, bark, roots, plant Size
compared
shoots; eat up to 44 lb. (20 kg) to 6 ft.
of food per day (1.8 m)
man

Reasons for decline

Common theory for significant drop in population is climate
change; shorter winters are shrinking the mooses range
Other causes include brain worms and liver flukes that thrive in
moist environments; increasing numbers of winter ticks
Source: MCT Photo Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, National Geographic
Graphic: Melina Yingling 2013 MCT