The Moose (Alces alces) also known as the elk in Eurasia, is a species of deer native from North North America to Eurasia, and Siberia. They are the largest deer in the world and the 2nd largest land animal in North America. The word Moose is used in American English while Elk is used in British English. The moose became extinct in the British Isles during the Bronze Age. The word "elk" remained in usage because of its existence in Continental Europe. However, because there were no living animals to serve as a reference, the meaning became rather vague to most English speakers who used "elk" to refer to "large deer" in general. The word elk is of Germanic origin.
Moose are unique because they have broad, palmate antlers, while other deer like white-tailed deer, elk, and caribou have dentritic or twig-like antlers. Moose are also some of the most aquatic of all the deer and some populations feed exclusively on water plants. Their plush, gelatinous noses can close under water pressure so they can feed underwater. They'll even dive to the bottom and feed on the smaller plants. The males can be very aggressive and during the mating season, will attack anything they perceive as a challenge or threat. Moose are also some of the deadliest members of the deer family, especially cows defending their calves. They'll kick and trample predators like wolves, cougars, black and grizzly bears.