Both male and female moose have dewlaps, also known as a “bell,” which grow under their jaw. Young males often have the largest bells,17 and their exact function remains a mystery.
What is the purpose of a dewlap on a moose?
The function of the dewlap is unknown, but there are theories for it. One theory is that the dewlap is used for communication during the rut, both by sight and smell. During the rut a bull will rub the cow with his chin, also called chinning, and the dewlap transfers this bull's scent to the female.
Does a female moose have a bell?
An adult female moose is a cow and an adult male moose is a bull. Adult moose have a long, over-hanging bulbous nose and a longer, more rectangular-shaped face with prominent ears and bell. Calves have a small, fine-featured nose, short ears and almost no bell – a beard-like flap of hair-covered skin under the throat.
