Moose are the largest members of the deer family, standing as imposing figures in the northern forests of North America. These remarkable animals often evoke a sense of awe due to their sheer physical presence. Understanding their dimensions relative to humans helps grasp their impressive scale.
Direct Size Comparison
An adult male moose, known as a bull, stands significantly taller than an average human. Bulls typically reach a shoulder height of 6 to 7 feet (1.8 to 2.1 meters). In contrast, the average adult human stands around 5 feet 7 inches (1.7 meters) tall. This means a bull moose can be more than a foot taller at the shoulder than most people, often towering over them.
The weight difference is even more pronounced. A bull moose commonly weighs between 800 to 1,500 pounds (360 to 680 kilograms), and exceptionally large individuals can exceed 1,600 pounds. Considering the average adult human weighs approximately 180 to 200 pounds (82 to 90 kilograms), a single moose can weigh as much as four to eight people combined. From nose to tail, a moose’s body length can span 7 to 10 feet (2.1 to 3 meters). For perspective, a moose’s shoulder height can be comparable to a small car, while its weight can rival that of a compact sedan.
Key Physical Attributes
Several distinct physical features contribute to the moose’s immense size. Their long, powerful legs are particularly noticeable, allowing them to navigate deep snow, traverse dense forest undergrowth, and easily step over obstacles. The prominent shoulder hump further adds to their vertical dimension and houses strong muscles supporting their massive head and neck.
A deep chest indicates a large lung capacity, supporting their substantial body mass and endurance during movement. Their heavily muscled, dense body contributes significantly to their weight. Male moose possess broad, palmate antlers that can spread 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 meters) wide, adding to their width and formidable appearance. These attributes enable moose to browse on tall vegetation and provide a defensive advantage.
Size Variation Among Moose
Moose size varies based on several factors, including sex, age, and geographical location. Male moose are generally larger and heavier than females, known as cows. While bulls can reach over 6.5 feet at the shoulder and weigh up to 1,500 pounds, cows typically stand between 5.5 to 6 feet tall at the shoulder and weigh 600 to 1,100 pounds. Bulls are also distinguished by large antlers, shed and regrown annually, whereas cows do not grow antlers.
Age also influences size, with moose reaching full physical maturity around four to five years old. Geographical location and subspecies can lead to notable variations in average size. The Alaskan moose (Alces alces gigas), found in Alaska and western Yukon, is the largest North American subspecies. These northern populations are larger due to environmental factors such as abundant forage and longer growing seasons, supporting greater growth. Conversely, moose in more southern habitats are typically slightly smaller.