Elk
lat.: Alces alces

It reaches maximum size in Alaska, where a bull may stand more than 1.8 m (more than 6 ft) high at the shoulder and weigh more than 520 kg (more than 1400 lb). The males bear enormous, broad, flattened antlers with marginal prongs, or tines. The antlers are shed each year after the mating season, by which time they can attain a spread of 1.5 m (5 ft) or more. The body color of the moose varies from almost black to light brown, becoming grayish in winter. The legs are lighter in color than the body. The protruding muzzle and the long legs enable the animal to browse on brush and to wade into lakes and ponds to feed on aquatic plants. The shoulders are higher than the hindquarters, giving it a humpbacked appearance that is accentuated by the short neck. To reach low-growing plants or to drink from a shallow pool, the moose is forced to kneel. It is an excellent swimmer.

Subspecies
Canadian Elk ( Alces alces andersoni ), European Elk ( Alces alces alces ), Alaska Elk ( Alces alces gigas ), Sibirian Elk ( Alces alces pfitzenmayeri )

The moose, A. alces, is the largest member of the deer family in the world. In Europe it inhabits forests in Siberia, Sweden, Norway, and the Baltic region. In North America it is found in wooded areas of Canada and the northern U.S. Moose generally are solitary, although they may form into small bands in winter and trample down the snow where good cover exists, making a "moose yard" where the animals stay while the food lasts. During the mating season, bulls battle for the cows, and their roars may be heard for great distances. After a gestation of eight months, one to three calves are born; they stay with the mother for two years.

Diet
Herbs, grasses, leaves, soft wood, branches of trees and bushes,feasts also aquatic plants.

Habitat
Particularly in forest areas, forest tundras and forest steppes,preferentially damp and swampy areas with rivers and lakes. Avoids closely stocked woodlands.

Area
Alsaska, Canada, Scandinavia, Asia, East Sibiria, Russia, Ploand

Norway, Finland, Sweden, Canada, USA-Alaska, Russia, Latvia, Lithunia, Belarus, Ukraine, Poland

The males bear enormous, broad, flattened antlers with marginal prongs, or tines. The antlers are shed each year after the mating season, by which time they can attain a spread of 1.5 m (5 ft) or more and weight more than 20 kg.