Terms: Male—bull; female—cow; young—calf.
Where found: The elk migrate to the higher meadows during the summer but some are usually to be seen in the meadows along the Madison River, the small meadows between Mammoth and Old Faithful, between Norris and Canyon, and from the Lake to the East Entrance. The over all summer park population usually equals or exceeds 15,000 animals.
MOOSE
Alces americana shirasi
The Moose is the largest of our North American deer. The Shiras Moose which is found in Yellowstone and surrounding areas is slightly smaller than the typical American moose, which is found in the northern states east of the Rockies and north to the Arctic. In Europe the moose found there is commonly called elk. This has of course resulted in some confusion between it and our animal known as the elk.
The large, ungainly and grotesque appearing moose is very unlike the graceful deer. The ugly face with its long nose, high and heavy shoulders and much smaller hindquarters, and the long legs all tend to make its appearance seem a caricature. But in spite of his size, appearance, and his mighty spread of antlers, the bull moose can, if he chooses, drift through the woodland as quiet as a mouse; then again he may give the sound effect of a herd of elephants on a stampede.
Marshy meadows and the margins of lakes or streams are the favorite summer haunts of the moose. His usual summer diet consists of the various aquatic plants and his long legs are of great assistance in wading for the plants as well as helping him get through the deep snows of winter. The moose is better fitted to withstand the rigors of winter than the deer and elk and is accustomed to remaining in higher country during the winter. During such times his food is made up of the foliage, twigs and bark of trees and shrubs. Moose are powerful swimmers and dive for aquatic plants if the water is too deep for wading.
The moose calf is born late in May or June, usually one the first year and frequently twins thereafter, but rarely triplets. They remain with their mother during the first year. She is very protective and does not hesitate to attack any animal or human that she thinks may harm the calves. In fact, any moose has a very uncertain temper and it is not wise to approach one too closely.
Moose
General description: A large, dark-colored animal with heavy humped shoulders, a large head with broad, pendulous muzzle, large ears; throat with a hanging growth of skin and hair called the “bell.” Males with broad, heavy, palmate antlers which are shed annually; average spread 52 to 58 inches; females do not have antlers. Total length of animal about 9 feet, height at shoulder 66 to 78 inches and weight 900 to 1400 pounds. Females about three quarters the size of males. Color blackish-brown with pale brown along the back and pale ears; legs washed with tawny gray.