A moose is the largest member of the deer family, standing taller than most adult humans and weighing up to 1,500 pounds. These massive animals live in the forests and wetlands of northern regions, including Alaska, Canada, and parts of the northern United States. You can recognize a moose by its long legs, humped shoulders, and the enormous, palm-shaped antlers that males grow (and shed every year).

Despite their size, moose move surprisingly well through deep snow and thick forests. They're excellent swimmers too, sometimes diving underwater to eat plants from lake bottoms. A moose can run at speeds up to 35 miles per hour when startled or threatened.

Moose spend their days munching on leaves, bark, and water plants. They need to eat about 50 pounds of food daily to maintain their enormous size.

While moose might look calm and gentle, they're actually quite dangerous when surprised or protecting their young. Wildlife experts warn hikers to give moose plenty of space. More people are injured by moose than by bears in some northern states.

The plural of moose is also moose, never “meese” (though that would be fun to say!).