Moose are the largest members of the deer family, known for their impressive size and distinctive appearance. These large mammals inhabit northern forests across North America, Europe, and Russia. Understanding how much a moose weighs provides insight into their biology and ecosystem role.
Adult Moose Weight
Adult moose show a clear size difference, with males (bulls) substantially heavier than females (cows). A mature bull can weigh between 1,200 to 1,600 pounds (542 to 725 kg). Some larger individuals, particularly the Alaska-Yukon subspecies, can even exceed 1,800 pounds (820 kg).
Female moose are smaller, weighing 800 to 1,300 pounds (364 to 591 kg). For instance, average adult bulls in Maine weigh around 1,106 pounds, while female moose average about 836 pounds.
Factors Causing Weight Variation
Several variables contribute to moose weight differences. Subspecies play a role, with the Alaska-Yukon moose (Alces alces gigas) being the largest of North American subspecies. European moose, sometimes called Eurasian elk, are smaller than their North American counterparts, with males weighing up to 1,320 pounds (600 kg).
Habitat quality is another influential factor, directly impacting food availability. Areas with abundant, high-quality forage support larger body masses and reproduction. Poor habitat conditions can lead to lower twinning rates and reduced overall health, affecting an individual moose’s weight. The availability of nutrient-rich vegetation, including aquatic plants high in sodium, is important for maintaining body mass.
Weight at Different Life Stages
Moose undergo rapid growth from birth through their juvenile stages. Newborn calves weigh between 28 to 35 pounds (13-16 kg). Calves begin nursing shortly after birth and start consuming solid food within days.
During their first five months, calves can increase their birth mass by more than tenfold, weighing over 500 pounds (227 kg). They are weaned in the fall. By their first winter, calves can reach weights of 300 to 400 pounds. Growth continues rapidly through their first 1.5 years, with full adult size reached by 5.5 years of age.
The Impact of Their Impressive Size
Their large size is a significant adaptation for survival in challenging environments. Their body mass helps them retain heat. This insulation, combined with a thick coat of hollow, air-filled hairs, allows them to stay warm in very cold temperatures.
Their powerful build enables them to navigate deep snow, using their long front legs and strong shoulder muscles to move through drifts up to 3 feet deep. Maintaining such a large body requires energy; an average adult moose needs to consume 23,000 kilocalories (96 megajoules) per day. Moose are herbivores, consuming large quantities of browse, leaves, and twigs, eating 40-60 pounds of vegetation daily. Their large size also contributes to their role as herbivores in their ecosystems, shaping plant communities through their extensive browsing.