Elk and deer, both members of the Cervidae family, exhibit distinct variations in their physical dimensions and characteristics. This comparison clarifies how these species differ in size and other notable features.
Comparing Size: Elk Versus Deer
Elk are consistently larger than most common deer species, including white-tailed and mule deer. A male elk, or bull, typically stands 4.5 to 5 feet (1.4 to 1.5 meters) tall at the shoulder and weighs 700 to 1,100 pounds (320 to 500 kilograms), with some larger individuals exceeding 1,200 pounds. Female elk, or cows, average 4 to 4.5 feet (1.2 to 1.4 meters) at the shoulder and weigh 450 to 650 pounds (200 to 295 kilograms). Their body length typically spans 7 to 9 feet (2.1 to 2.7 meters).
White-tailed deer are considerably smaller. An adult male white-tailed deer, or buck, generally weighs 150 to 300 pounds (68 to 136 kilograms), though some can reach over 400 pounds in northern regions. Females, called does, usually weigh 100 to 198 pounds (45 to 90 kilograms). Their shoulder height ranges from 21 to 47 inches (53 to 120 centimeters), with total body length varying from 5 to 7 feet (1.5 to 2.1 meters).
Mule deer are generally larger than white-tailed deer but are still dwarfed by elk. Adult male mule deer bucks weigh 125 to 300 pounds (57 to 136 kilograms), with exceptional cases reaching up to 450 pounds. Female mule deer weigh 95 to 225 pounds (43 to 102 kilograms). They stand 3 to 3.5 feet (0.9 to 1 meter) tall at the shoulder and measure 4.5 to 7 feet (1.4 to 2.1 meters) in length.
Other Key Differences
Beyond their significant size disparities, elk and deer also differ in their antler structures and coat coloration. Male elk grow large antlers that sweep back from their heads, reaching up to 4 feet long and weighing 20 to 40 pounds per antler. These antlers typically feature six or more tines on each side in mature bulls. Deer antlers, such as those of white-tailed deer, curve forward and are smaller. Mule deer antlers are bifurcated, meaning they fork rather than branching from a single main beam.
Elk generally have a thicker, shaggier brown coat, darker on the head, neck, and legs, with a lighter tan body and a distinctive light-colored rump patch. They also develop a shaggy mane around their upper chest and neck, particularly in winter, which helps with insulation. White-tailed deer display seasonal coat changes, being reddish-brown in summer and grayish-brown in winter, with white markings on their throat, belly, and tail underside. Mule deer have brown-gray coats with cream or white rumps and a black-tipped tail. The overall body build of an elk is more robust and thick-necked compared to the more slender and delicate frame of most deer.