Biggest Moose Species

Moose are recognized as the largest extant deer species in the world. These mammals live in northern forests located in North America and Europe. In Europe, they are referred to Eurasian elks. Of the eight moose subspecies recognized, the Alaska-Yukon (Alces alces gigas) is the biggest in the world.

  1. Size

    • The Alces alces gigas species can grow to be very big. Typical Alaskan moose stands between 6 1/2 to 7 feet tall at the shoulder. Males are much bigger in terms of weight than females. Bulls can weigh up to 1,600 lbs. and cows can reach 1,300 lbs. The calves of the Alces alces gigas weigh in at 300 lbs.

    Habitat

    • Moose live in the cold forest areas throughout North America and Europe. However, the Alces alces gigas species can be found only in Alaska. The Alaskan-Yukon moose are most abundant near the major rivers of southern Alaska. They also tend to migrate toward areas that have recently been burned for the profusion of food following forest fires, according to UC Davis.

    Reproduction

    • The Alces alces gigas species are just like the other subspecies' of moose in terms of sexual maturity. Cows and bulls tend to be ready for breeding at 28 months. The life expectancy for Alces alces gigas is 16 years; so maturing at 28 months is critical. Calves are born in spring (May through June) and start a maternal bond that ends after 12 months. Gestation period for Alces alces gigas is about 230 days. Bulls compete for cows in jousting battles, utilizing their antlers to fight. The winner mates with the chosen female.

    Diet

    • Alces alces gigas do not differ from other subspecies with their diet either. Moose consume birch, willow and aspen twigs during the fall and winter. In the spring and summer, they graze and eat fresh leaves. The Alces alces gigas also eat pond weeds, horsetail and a variety of grasses.

    Physical Features

    • The physical features of the Alces alces gigas are almost identical to other subspecies' of moose. Like other moose, they have hooves, heavy midsections, long legs, small tails, and dewlaps (fold of skin) directly under the chin. The color of Alces alces gigas varies with season and age. Most are a brownish hue, though some can be black, according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.