Moose, the largest members of the deer family, are iconic animals of North America’s northern forests. Their typical size often sparks curiosity. Understanding their weight provides insight into their biology and the environments they inhabit.
Understanding Typical Moose Weights
Adult male moose, known as bulls, are larger than females, or cows. Bulls typically range from 800 to 1,600 pounds, averaging around 1,100 pounds. Cows generally weigh between 600 and 1,300 pounds, with an average of 840 pounds. The Alaskan moose is the largest subspecies. The heaviest recorded moose, an Alaskan bull, weighed 1,808 pounds and was harvested in Yukon in 1897.
Influences on Moose Body Mass
Several factors contribute to variations in moose body mass. Geographical location and subspecies play a role, with Alaskan moose in northern regions generally being the largest. Conversely, Shiras moose, found in the southern parts of their range, are the smallest North American subspecies. Diet quality and availability directly impact a moose’s body mass. An adult moose can consume between 40 and 60 pounds of browse daily, with aquatic plants providing important minerals like sodium.
Moose experience seasonal weight fluctuations. They gain weight during summer when food is abundant. During winter, moose can lose a portion of their body mass as food becomes scarcer. Male moose may lose weight during the autumn rut, or breeding season, due to reduced feeding as they focus on mating. Age also influences body mass, with moose typically reaching their maximum weight and antler development between 5 and 12 years of age.
Moose Weight at Different Life Stages
A moose’s weight changes throughout its life cycle, beginning from birth. Newborn calves are small, typically weighing between 25 and 35 pounds. Calves exhibit rapid growth during their first year. They can increase their birth weight tenfold within the first five months, often exceeding 500 pounds by fall, gaining around one pound per day during their first month and up to three pounds daily in the second.
Moose continue to grow through their juvenile stages, gradually increasing in size. They generally reach their peak body weight between four and six years of age. Females often attain their maximum body weight slightly earlier, around 3.5 to 4.5 years, while males typically reach theirs at 5.5 to 6.5 years. In old age, a moose’s weight may stabilize or experience a slight decline.