The Moose is the largest animal in the Swedish forest. With it's special look and size is it easy to recognize. Big ears, muzzle and chin beard are some special features and so is also the hump at the back. You won't easily mistake the moose for other animals.

The colour of the fur is different from animal to animal, it could be anything from light brown to almost black or grey. The colour of the legs is however always grey. The calves' fur is during summer red brown and is not like the big moose’s at all.

The moose is not a small animal. It weighs 200-550 kilos (32-87 stone) and could be up to 2 metres (six feet seven) tall. The male moose are often both bigger and have larger chin beard, than the female moose have.

Where can i find the moose?

The moose is common in North America, Asia and Europe. And in Sweden there are between 200 000-250 000 animals during winter. During summer there are about 50% more moose around. You can find the moose in the entire country, excluding the island Gotland.

Moose are living in conifer- and leaf forest. The ground will be covered by snow during winter. It's in these forests the moose can find food and protection.

The food during winter is made out of twigs from leaf- and conifer trees and also berry sprigs. During summer the food consists of leafs, berry sprigs, and some herbs. During September and October moose are in heat. Most of the times the female moose give birth to twins.

Moose are doing well against predators and no other animal can really threat it. In some areas where you find bear and wolf, the population of moose can be affected.

In northern areas of the country the moose migrate from place to place during different seasons.

Survival

Survival of the moose is rather critical. 50% of the moose calves die during their first year. Among the grownups the males are the ones who die most frequently. The risk for one particular male to die, is about 25-35% per year. For a female the same risk is approx 10-20%

So, what are causing moose to die? The biggest reason is of course hunting. Between 72-93% of the moose that dies, die of the hunting. Other causes of death can be traffic accidents, booth with car and train, predators and also unknown natural causes.