looduskalender.ee

 

Rõude meadow. Matsalu

 

Elk (Europe); Moose (N. America)

Põder

Alces alces

 

It is the largest animal in our forests. The height at shoulders of an adult elk bull is a little less than 2 metres, length 3 metres, weight up to 600 kilos – impressive. The population is estimated to be up to 10 000 animals.

Winter is spent in higher and drier forested areas where they move in groups in daytime, eating and resting by turns. Food is no worry, the menu is twigs and bark, 15 kilos a day for an adult animal.

Elk paths in bog birch forest. Ristsaare, Alam-Pedja

 

The tracks of such a big animal can’t be mistaken for those of any other. They are 12-16 centimetres long for a fully-grown elk, and in the impression of the forefeet the traces of the hooves can also be seen. The hind feet step nearly into the traces of the forefeet, or stay a little bit behind. Often a twin line is drawn in the snow with the hoof tips. At a leisurely pace the stride length is up to one metre, moving at gallop up to 3 metres. In deep snow the elk doesn’t bother to raise its feet, and then we will see a "plough furrow“. An elk moving at a pace in snow is a truly powerful sight.  

 

From which feet are these tracks?