Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Geologists believe that roughly 460 million years ago the Appalachian Mountains were
the highest mountains on earth - higher even than the Himalayas are today.
Land Mammals
Moose
Moose nibble on shrubs throughout the northern part of the region, specifically Maine,
New Hampshire, Vermont, upstate New York and the Michigan-Minnesota-Wisconsin
north woods. They're part of the deer family but are far more humungous, with skinny,
ballerina-like legs that support a hulking body. Males weigh up to 1200lb, all put on by a
vegetarian diet of twigs and leaves. Despite their odd shape, moose can move it: they run
up to 35mph, and in water they can swim as fast as two men paddling a canoe.
Males grow a spectacular rack of antlers every summer, only to discard it in Novem-
ber. You'll spot moose foraging near lakes and streams. They generally are not aggress-
ive, and often will pose for photographs. They can be unpredictable, though, so don't
startle them. During mating season (September) the males can become belligerent, so
keep your distance.
Moose have been dying at an alarming rate in many areas. Scientists think climate
change may be partly to blame. In New Hampshire a longer fall with less snow has in-
creased the number of winter ticks, parasites that prey on moose. In Minnesota it's the
same story but with brain worms as the deadly parasite. In Maine, however, the popula-
tion remains healthy.
INFAMOUS NATURAL DISASTERS
Earthquakes, wildfires, tornadoes, hurricanes and blizzards - the US certainly has
its share of natural disasters. A few of the more infamous events that have shaped
the national conscience:
Hur
Hurriicane K
e Katriina August 29, 2005, is not a day easily forgotten in New Orleans. A
massive hurricane swept across the Gulf of Mexico and slammed into Louisiana. As
levees failed, floods inundated over 80% of the city. The death toll reached 1836,
with over $100 billion in estimated damages - making it America's costliest natural
disaster. Heartbreaking images of the destroyed city and anger over the govern-
ment's bungled response still linger.
Hur
Hurriicane Ir
e Irene On August 27 and 28, 2011, a mammoth storm blew over the east-
ern seaboard, battering 15 states from Florida through to New England and as far
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