Moose are a large and iconic species, recognized by their impressive stature and distinctive antlers. As the largest member of the deer family, they inhabit northern forests and wetlands. Their sheer size is a defining characteristic, making them one of the most imposing land mammals in their range.
Understanding Moose Dimensions
Adult moose exhibit considerable size, with measurements typically taken at the shoulder. An average adult moose stands about 1.4 to 2.1 meters (4 feet 7 inches to 6 feet 11 inches) high at the shoulder. Some large bulls can even surpass 2.1 meters (7 feet) in height. The body length of a moose, from head to tail, generally ranges from 2.4 to 3.1 meters (7 feet 10 inches to 10 feet 2 inches).
Male moose, known as bulls, are significantly heavier than females, or cows. An average bull moose typically weighs between 380 and 700 kilograms (838 to 1,543 pounds), while cows usually weigh from 200 to 490 kilograms (441 to 1,080 pounds). The largest recorded moose weighed an astonishing 820 kilograms (1,808 pounds). Male moose also possess large, palmate antlers that can reach substantial spreads. Typical antler spreads range from 1.2 to 1.5 meters (3 feet 11 inches to 4 feet 11 inches), with the largest recorded spread at 2.1 meters (83 inches). These antlers can also be quite heavy, with some weighing 36 kilograms (79 pounds).
What Makes Moose Size Vary
Several factors contribute to variations in moose size, including sex, age, subspecies, and environmental conditions. Male moose are consistently larger than females, often weighing 40% more. This difference is largely due to sex-based hormone differences, which result in greater muscle mass for males.
Age also plays a significant role in a moose’s size. Newborn calves typically weigh between 13 and 16 kilograms (28 and 35 pounds) and grow rapidly, often gaining over 10 times their birth mass within their first five months. Moose reach their maximum body size between 7 and 9 years of age, and their largest antler development usually occurs when bulls are between 5 and 12 years old. Beyond this prime age, both body and antler size may begin to decline.
Different subspecies of moose exhibit distinct size ranges. The Alaskan moose (Alces alces gigas) is considered the largest subspecies globally, with bulls frequently standing over 2.1 meters (6 feet 11 inches) at the shoulder and weighing over 635 kilograms (1,400 pounds). The Shiras moose (Alces alces shirasi), found in the Rocky Mountains, is the smallest North American subspecies, with bulls weighing up to 450 kilograms (1,000 pounds). Geographic location and diet also influence size. Moose in northern regions tend to be larger due to adaptation to colder climates and the availability of specific vegetation. Aquatic plants, rich in sodium, are a vital part of a moose’s diet and contribute to their overall health and size.
How Moose Size Compares
To appreciate the scale of a moose, it helps to compare them to other large animals and vehicles. Moose are notably taller than most horses. An average thoroughbred horse stands about 1.6 meters (5 feet 4 inches) at the shoulder, whereas an Alaskan bull moose can stand 0.3 to 0.45 meters (1 to 1.5 feet) taller.
Moose are considerably larger than other deer species like elk. A large bull elk typically stands around 1.5 meters (5 feet) tall at the shoulder, making them nearly 0.6 meters (2 feet) shorter than a large Alaskan moose. In terms of bulk, a bull moose can weigh more than twice as much as a male elk.
The sheer size of a moose can be compared to that of a small car. An average bull moose, with a shoulder height of 1.8 meters (6 feet) and a length of 2.6 meters (8.5 feet), can occupy the entire width of a single road lane. This comparison highlights the immense physical presence of these animals.