1. Size and strength: Moose are the largest members of the deer family, with bulls standing up to 6 feet tall at the shoulder and weighing over 1,000 pounds. Their size and strength make them formidable opponents for most predators.
2. Antlers: Male moose grow large, branching antlers that they use for defense. Moose antlers can grow up to 6 feet long and weigh up to 30 pounds. They are used for sparring with other moose during the rut, but they can also be used to defend against predators.
3. Hooves: Moose have sharp hooves that they can use to kick at predators. Their hooves can inflict serious injuries, and they can even be used to kill small predators such as wolves and coyotes.
4. Speed: Despite their size, moose can run surprisingly fast. They can reach speeds of up to 35 miles per hour, which is enough to outrun most predators.
5. Aggressive behavior: Moose are known for being aggressive when they are threatened. They will often charge at predators, and they can be extremely dangerous if they are cornered.
In addition to these physical defenses, moose also have a number of behavioral adaptations that help them avoid predators. For example, moose are crepuscular, meaning that they are most active at dawn and dusk. This helps them to avoid predators that are active during the day or night. Moose also live in herds, which provides them with safety in numbers. If a predator does attack a moose, the herd will often come to the aid of the victim.
Moose are well-adapted to their environment and have a number of defenses that help them to survive in the wild. Their size, strength, antlers, hooves, speed, and aggressive behavior all contribute to their ability to protect themselves from predators.