The common names of the large deer of northern latitudes can be quite confusing. In Europe, the Moose is called the Elk, which incidentally is also the name used for the North American race of Red Deer (Cervus elaphus; or Wapiti as it is also known).
The Moose is the largest member of the deer family in the world, on average measuring 2.5m from nose to tail and weighs almost 500kg.
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In spring the males start to regrow their antlers. Like all deer, the growing antlers are covered in "velvet" which provides a supply blood and nutrients. Once the antlers are fully grown, the velvet is shed leaving the bare bone ready for combat. In early winter, after the rutting season is over, the antlers break off and the cycle begins again.
The fully grown antlers of a mature male are enormous and can reach a maximum width of just over 2m!
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In early spring, moose are easily observed at the roadside in Algonquin Provincial Park (about 100km north of Toronto) after the winter snows melt. The salt used for helping to keep the road clear in the winter is concentrated in the roadside pools and the moose congregate to take advantage of this abundant mineral supply.
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