Bull moose; photo by Gail Fisher (fisherga) on Flickr (use permitted with attribution).
Official State Animal of Maine
Maine designated the moose as official state animal in 1979 (the moose is also a state symbol of Alaska). All State Mammals
Moose Facts
The iconic moose (Alces alces) is the world's largest member of the deer family. Moose inhabit northern forests of North America, Europe, and Russia (in Europe moose are called "elk"). A bull moose can grow to over 6 feet tall at the shoulder and can weigh over 1400 pounds. Males grow an enormous spread of antlers each year (antlers may span over five feet, but are shed after the mating season).
Moose have long legs, a heavy body, small tail, drooping nose, and a "bell" or dewlap under the chin. Color can range from golden brown to almost black (depending on the season and age of the moose).
