The moose is the largest living member of the deer family.
Moose are also called elk in some regions, especially in parts of Europe, but North American English uses “elk” for a different deer species, Cervus canadensis. This naming difference is a frequent source of confusion in wildlife discussions.
Adult male moose are especially large and carry broad, palmate antlers. Their long legs and split hooves help them move through snow, wetlands, and uneven woodland. Moose are browsers rather than grazers, feeding on leaves, twigs, aquatic plants, and shrubs.
Moose range across northern North America, Europe, and Asia. Their size varies geographically, with Alaskan and Siberian populations among the largest. Unlike many deer, moose often feed in water and can swim strongly, using their large muzzle to crop aquatic vegetation.