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Moose of Grand Teton

Moose are the largest member of the deer family and love cold weather. They frequent marshy meadows and edges of lakes and streams. About 800 Moose inhabit the southern part of Yellowstone, Grand Teton National Park and surrounding national forests. Moose are most heavily concentrated in Grand Teton Park.

To keep from sinking in mud while feeding, as the animal lowers its foot, a large dewclaw spreads to better support the weight. Similarly, the odd-looking crook of the hind leg allows a Moose to pull the leg straight up, more easily releasing it from deep, sucking mud.

Bull Moose lose their antlers anytime between December and March. Most of the Moose drop them in January. Immature bulls may not shed their antlers for the winter but retain them until the following spring. Female Moose do not have antlers.

A new set of antlers begin to grow the following spring, nourished by the covering of furry skin known as velvet. They take three to five months to develop fully – the velvet is then scraped and rubbed off against bushes and branches. The antlers are then ready for battle. Generally, each set of antlers will be larger than the one before.

Birds, carnivores, and rodents eat dropped antlers as they are full of protein and Moose themselves will eat antler velvet for the nutrients.

Take note—cow Moose with young can be particularly dangerous.

For more info: www.yellowstonepark.com/things-to-do/wildlife/about-moose/

Tags: Alces alces Animal Antlers Bull Moose Conservation Dark Stripper Dear Family Deer Species Environment Environmental Grand Teton Grand Teton National Park Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem Habitat Mammal Mammalogy Moose Mother Nature Nature Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S Nikon Z9 Palmate Antlers USA United States Wild Wildlife Wyoming © 2023 RGL Photography