Calves stay with their mothers for the first year of their lives. Calf mortality can be very high, with black and brown bears, wolves, and domestic dogs taking a toll. Almost half of the moose killed by motor vehicles are calves, hit as they follow their mothers across increasingly busy roads. Moose depend more on these senses than vision to tell what is going on around them. Moose readily take to the water.
Aquatic plants are a favorite food.
Moose have been observed backing into lakes and rivers to escape predators. While a male may use its antlers to hold off a predator, a moose's sharp hooves are its first line of defense. Moose are able to kick out in all directions, but generally use their front feet. A moose's long legs allow it to move easily over rough terrain and through deep snow. A moose can run almost as fast as a horse, or about 30 miles per hour for a short time period.