Moose and elk are two of North America’s most recognizable large mammals, both belonging to the deer family (Cervidae). While they share a familial connection, their sizes and appearances often lead to confusion. Understanding the distinctions between these animals, regarding their physical dimensions and features, helps clarify their roles in natural ecosystems.
Comparing Their Stature
Moose are significantly larger than elk, ranking as the largest members of the deer family. A male moose can stand between 5 and 7 feet tall at the shoulder, weighing between 800 and 1,600 pounds, with some exceeding 1,700 pounds. Their body length can range from 7.5 to over 10 feet. Female moose stand 5.5 to 6 feet tall at the shoulder and weigh between 450 and 1,000 pounds.
Elk are notably smaller than moose, as the second-largest deer species in North America. A male elk stands 4 to 5 feet tall at the shoulder, weighing 700 to 1,100 pounds, with some reaching up to 1,300 pounds. The average body length for an adult elk is about 8 feet. Female elk average 4 to 4.5 feet at the shoulder and weigh 400 to 700 pounds.
Beyond Size: Other Identifying Features
Moose and elk exhibit several distinct physical characteristics. Their antlers are a key difference. Male moose grow broad, flat, paddle-shaped antlers that can span over 6 feet across. These antlers grow out from the sides of their head. In contrast, male elk have crown antlers that are long, slender, and branched, with a main beam and multiple tines. Elk antlers reach a width of up to 5 feet.
Their body shapes and coat colors vary. Moose possess a robust and bulky build with long legs, a noticeable shoulder hump, and a flap of skin called a dewlap hanging from their throat. Their fur is dark brown to black, providing a dense, insulating coat.
Elk, on the other hand, have a more streamlined and athletic body without a pronounced shoulder hump or dewlap. Their coat is lighter, ranging from brown to tan, often with a darker mane and a distinctive lighter or yellowish rump patch. Facial features differ, with moose having a large, rounded, and bulbous nose, while elk have a slimmer, more pointed snout.
Where They Roam
Moose and elk occupy different habitats across North America. Moose are found in cooler climates and thrive in boreal forests and wetland environments. They are often associated with areas near lakes and rivers, where they can feed on aquatic vegetation. Their range extends across Canada and Alaska, reaching south into parts of the northern United States.
Elk are more adaptable and inhabit a wider variety of ecosystems. They can be found in forests, open grasslands, mountainous regions, and even semi-desert areas. Their historical range once covered nearly all of the United States and parts of Canada. Today, significant elk populations exist in the western United States, particularly in the Rocky Mountain region, as well as in various reintroduced herds across eastern states and throughout several Canadian provinces.