- 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.
