Composition : 99.99% silver
Mintage : 7,500

Towering Sentry of the Boreal Wilderness

The largest member of the Cervidae family - which also includes elk, caribou, whitetailed deer, and mule deer?the moose (Alces alces) is one of Canada's most emblematic animals. The giant ruminant - sitting taller at its nearly 2-metre high shoulders than the very tallest horse - inhabits the vast boreal forest, as well as muskegs and valleylands. Weighing hundreds of kilograms (a male can weigh up to 600 kilograms) and, in the case of bulls, carrying a rack of antlers sometimes spanning 1.5 metres, the moose can nevertheless pass through dense brush in almost complete silence.

With spindly legs, hugely muscled shoulders, a low rump, stubby tail, and mule-like ears, the moose's body may seem ungainly to some, but is well adapted for its environment. Its broad hooves help it to pass easily over snow and marshland. Its long, narrow head ends in a flexible upper lip that helps it to grasp leaves, bark, twigs, and aquatic plants. Beneath its chin hangs a distinctive flap of skin called a "bell" which, though its function is still not entirely understood, in part helps the moose to attract potential mates during the autumn rut.

Considering its massive size, the moose is exceptionally nimble. It can run for short distances at speeds of up to 50 kilometres perhour and can swim long distances, dive more than 5 metres and hold its breath underwater for about 30 seconds. Moose span the majority of Canada's forests, from the Alaskan border and the southern border of Canada to the Atlantic Ocean. Experts estimate a total Canadian population of more than 500,000.

 

ROBERT BATEMAN - THE MOOSE FAMILY - 2012 CANADIAN COINS is categorised COINS AND PAPER MONEY / 08- ROYAL CANADIAN MINT / 10- FLORA, FAUNA & NATURE and sold by l'Imaginaire, a store and specialised website.