European moose
Alces alces
Did you know ... that mooses are more dangerous than brown bears? In Alaska, more people die every year from moose attacks than bear attacks. These large animals can attack and lash out powerfully with their long legs if harassed by dogs, people or road traffic.
Family
Cervidae
Distribution
The European moose is found in Scandinavia and northern parts of Central Europe. Mooses were native to Switzerland until the 10th century.
Habitat
Mooses prefer to live in deciduous and mixed woodlands with moors, swamps and stretches of water. In summer they roam deep into the tundra and the mountains.
Lifestyle
Mooses live in territories of around 500 hectares. They wander great distances each day to find food. Their long legs allow them to step over high obstacles or walk in deep snow with ease, something its enemies generally cannot do. As an old deer subfamily (capreolinae or New World deer), their social behaviour is little developed and they spend most of their time alone, coming together in small groups only during the rutting season. Mooses are excellent swimmers, with webbing between their hooves that helps them in the water.
Reproduction
Their mating season is in September/October, when they become very aggressive. The cow drives away last year’s calf a few days before giving birth in May/June. Twins are common.
Diet
Mooses eat only highly nutritious plants or plant parts, particularly willow, poplar and birch twigs, leaves and buds, but only conifers in winter. They can dive to a depth of a few metres in search of aquatic plants, closing their nostrils while doing so.
Senses
They have an excellent sense of smell and very good hearing. Their vision makes them well equipped to perceive movement.
The moose in Langenberg
Since 1969. The moose in the Langenberg are kept individually or in small groups to prevent injuries, which is a particular risk during the rutting season. The animals are fed goat willow foliage in summer and conifers in winter.
