13 Interesting Facts About Moose

• The moose is the official state animal of Maine.
  
• There are about 25,000 moose in Maine - most are found in the northern part of the state.
  
• They live 15-25 years.
• A male can weigh up to 1500 pounds.
• They have very poor eyesight, but their hearing and smell are excellent.
• The flap of skin that hangs beneath the throat is called a Bell.
• A male's antlers can weigh up to 40 pounds.
• He sheds his antlers every Winter and regrows them in the Spring.
• Most of their food comes from aquatic and marsh plants such as horsetails and pond weed. (when the water isn't frozen)
• In the winter, they eat tree bark, leaves, twigs, balsam fir, white birch, and young aspen.
  
• They can run up to 35 mph.
• During the winter, moose are drawn to the sodium spread on the roads.
  
• Causes of death to Maine moose are: hunting, collisions with cars, parasites, malnutrition due to gum disease, and black bears.