Moose Flehmen Response and E D B D Nose

[NorthernFocus]

OK, continuing with the moose behavior tutorial, yet another moose photo.

This shot is a good display of "flehmen" response displayed by the bull while investigating the cow's readiness to mate. Information found on Wikipedia states:

An animal investigating odours or tastes at sites of particular interest or perhaps more generally, may perform the flehmen response. This response is characterised by the animal curling back its top lips exposing the front teeth and gums, then inhaling and holding the posture for several seconds....The flehmen response often gives the appearance that the animal is "grimacing", "smirking" or "laughing"...

The main function of flehmen is to transfer air containing pheremones and other scents to the vomeronasal organ, a chemosensory organ located between the roof of the mouth and the palate. This provides chemical cues which animals use in a variety of ways.

I just thought he was getting ready to sneeze but had an aborted attempt. Don't you hate it when that happens?

[Digital]

Dan, I really enjoy your stories from Alaska. This pic seems far from your best shots of moose.



Bruce

[jcuknz]

Interesting, not that I understand the long words, but interesting photo

[Mike Buckley]

I had never heard of the flehmen response. Thanks for sharing the information!

[NorthernFocus]

...This pic seems far from your best shots of moose.

No doubt. Just an interesting behavioral shot. I caught one at it a couple of years ago in the following shot but couldn't get the cow in the frame. On this one you can also see his whole head/neck is wet where he urinated in his rut wallow and splashed it all over himself. Very manly cologne. Note the short bell of the older bull.

[Mike Buckley]

Beautiful photo, Dan.