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To reach juicy underwater plants, moose like to dive down several meters.
Moose love water: not only for drinking, but also for swimming and diving. And that quite deep!
The animals not only live in wooded areas, but often in areas with many lakes or rivers. Then they also spend a lot of time in the water. Firstly, because they don't tolerate heat so well, and secondly, because it allows them to escape mosquitoes.
Moose are also excellent swimmers. In the water they can reach speeds of up to 10 km/h and it is possible for them to cover long distances. This would allow them to pass a sport paddler at full speed.
How deep moose dive
A moose can dive up to 6 meters deep. That's almost three times its own height. He dives to reach aquatic plants. It usually stands in the water with its legs wide apart, submerges its head and tries to reach the mineral-rich aquatic plants. If it does not manage to do that, the moose also likes to dive down. Down to 6 meters depth!
Helpful nostrils
The elk is the only one of the deer family that can dive so deep. Diving ability is aided by its flap-like nostrils, including thick fat pads, which elks can close when diving - so that no water runs into its nose. Amazing fact: moose spend about two-thirds of their lifespan - up to 30-year - in the water.