Watch a Foolish Man Spank a Moose and Instantly Regret His Choices

If you and your friends are a bit bored on a snowy night in Montana, there are probably less hazardous things that you can find to keep yourself amused than spanking a moose! These guys decided that they would approach a moose that was minding its own business on the city street. As you would expect from a wild animal, the moose was not impressed. It promptly turned around and chased the men down the street. Scroll down to see the full extraordinary footage. Thankfully, we know from the video notes that no one was injured during the encounter.

Watch the Extraordinary Footage Below

Is a Moose the Same as an Elk?

It is quite common for moose and elk to be confused but they are completely different animals. They are both large members of the deer family and have some similar characteristics. It is also true that they are both herbivores and they both have large antlers but there are also some important differences.

In general, moose are larger and can grow to seven feet (shoulder height) compared to the five feet that elk attain. Moose can weigh up to 1550 pounds whereas elk only reach around 730 pounds. They also behave differently as elk are herd animals but moose live alone. The antlers of an elk are thinner and more pointed than those of the moose. Moose have a large dewlap whereas elk do not have one at all.

Why Are They Called Moose?

The scientific name for moose is Alces alces and they are a member of the Cervidae family of mammals.  Their common name, ‘moose’, is derived from the Algonquin word ‘moosu’ meaning ‘bark stripper.’ It became a recognized English word no later than 1606. The pleural of moose is also moose!

Are Moose Normally Aggressive Towards Humans?

They can be! Even though moose are not normally aggressive they can become so when they are harassed by people. They can also become aggressive when they are upset by traffic or dogs or when they are hungry and tired. Some moose seem to have a particular problem with dogs especially if they are being chased by them or barked at by them. If you’re walking with your dog, it is a good idea to give the moose a wide berth. If you come across a moose on the road they are often trying to rest and do not take kindly to being approached. Having said that, all moose are different and some will put up with more human interaction than others!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Tom Tietz/Shutterstock.com