 |
 |
|
|
|
Moose (called 'elk' in eastern Europe and Scandinavia) are the largest living Artiodactyls ('deer' with antlers that are shed and re-grown every year). All these were photographed in Alaska, where moose are reputed to be the biggest anywhere. The pictures were mainly taken in Denali National Park, but some were on the Kenai Peninsula near Homer. One bull (photographed on a rainy day) has antlers in velvet (the furry blood-rich 'skin' that covers growing antlers); the other bulls, photographed later in the year, have fully-formed bony antlers -- a huge investment of resources to grow and then to carry around. One photo shows a bull and cow during the rutting (mating) season. He is hopefully following her around, sniffing at her rear end for signs of estrous (when the photo was taken she was NOT interested). |
|
|
|
|
