Moose and elk are among North America’s largest and most impressive deer species. While they share the broad classification of cervids, their physical attributes, particularly their dimensions, reveal distinct differences. Understanding these variations helps to appreciate the unique adaptations each species has developed for its environment.
Moose vs. Elk: The Size Showdown
When comparing the overall size of these two species, the moose (Alces alces americanus) is the larger animal. Adult male moose, or bulls, typically weigh between 1,200 and 1,600 pounds, with some individuals reaching up to 1,808 pounds. Their shoulder height generally range from 5 to 7 feet, making them the tallest mammals in North America. Female moose, or cows, are also substantial, usually weighing between 800 and 1,300 pounds.
In contrast, elk (Cervus canadensis) are smaller. Adult male elk, or bulls, typically weigh between 700 and 1,100 pounds. Their shoulder height ranges from 4 to 5 feet. Female elk, or cows, average around 500 pounds, though some can weigh up to 650 pounds. The significant difference in mass means a bull moose can be twice the size of an average bull elk.
Moose have greater body length than elk. Adult moose can measure between 7.5 to 10 feet from nose to tail. Elk, while still lengthy, typically range from 7 to 10 feet long from nose to tail, with males averaging about 8 feet. This overall bulk and towering stature distinguish the moose as the giant of the deer family.
Telling Them Apart: Beyond Dimensions
Moose and elk exhibit other distinguishing physical characteristics. Their antlers provide one of the most immediate visual cues for identification. Moose antlers are broad, flat, and palmate, resembling a shovel or an open hand, with smaller tines extending from the main paddle. These massive antlers can span over 6 feet wide in mature bulls.
Elk possess branched antlers that are slender and pointed. These antlers typically curve backward over their bodies, featuring long, individual tines that form a more uniform pattern. While impressive, elk antlers are not palmate and are generally narrower than those of a mature moose.
Their body build and coloration differ. Moose have a robust, bulky appearance with a pronounced shoulder hump and long legs, often appearing dark brown to black. They also feature a flap of skin under their throat, known as a dewlap or “bell,” absent in elk. Elk have a streamlined, horse-like build without a shoulder hump. Their coat color is typically lighter, ranging from brown to tan, often with a darker mane and a yellowish rump patch.
Facial features provide further differentiation. Moose have a large, rounded, and overhanging snout with a long, almost horse-like head. Their unique nose allows them to close their nostrils for underwater feeding. Elk have a more slender and pointed face, giving them a more typical deer-like profile.