The moose, known for its towering presence and massive antlers, is the largest member of the global deer family, Cervidae. Within the species (Alces alces), size varies significantly across its vast northern range. Geographical variation, driven by resource availability and genetic factors, has led to the evolution of several distinct subspecies. This size disparity raises the question of which population claims the title of the biggest moose in the world.
Identifying the World’s Largest Moose
The undisputed champion among all moose populations is the Alaska-Yukon Moose (Alces alces gigas). This subspecies is native to the extreme northwestern regions of North America, specifically Alaska and Canada’s Yukon Territory. Its immense size is largely attributed to Bergmann’s Rule, which suggests animals in colder climates tend to be larger. The expansive boreal forests and nutrient-rich riparian zones provide the necessary resources to support this large frame. This combination allows the Alaska-Yukon Moose to significantly outmeasure its counterparts found elsewhere.
Defining Maximum Size and Scale
The scale of a mature Alaska-Yukon bull is formidable. Adult males regularly stand between six and seven feet high when measured at the shoulder. The maximum recorded height was 7.6 feet at the shoulder, excluding the height added by the antlers. Average bulls typically weigh between 1,200 and 1,600 pounds (542 to 725 kilograms). The largest confirmed specimen, taken in the Yukon in 1897, weighed 1,808 pounds (820 kilograms), a record that remains a benchmark for the species.
The characteristic palmate antlers also reach their maximum expression in this subspecies. Spreads in mature bulls often exceed six feet across, sometimes pushing toward the seven-foot mark. The widest recorded spread was 83 inches (210 centimeters). These massive bony structures are shed and regrown annually, requiring a significant intake of minerals and energy throughout the summer.
Comparing Regional Moose Subspecies
The dominance of the Alaska-Yukon Moose is clear when compared to other major regional subspecies. The Eastern Moose (Alces alces americana), found across eastern Canada and the northeastern United States, is the next largest in North America. Eastern bulls generally reach a maximum weight closer to 1,400 pounds and stand about six feet at the shoulder. This is a noticeable drop in size compared to their Alaskan relatives.
The European Moose (Alces alces alces), sometimes called the Eurasian Elk, is also generally smaller than the North American varieties. European bulls typically average lower weights and possess a narrower antler span than the Alaska-Yukon type. The smallest North American subspecies, the Shiras Moose, found in the Rocky Mountains, highlights the size gradient. Shiras bulls generally weigh between 900 and 1,200 pounds. This comparison confirms the Alaskan variety as a clear outlier in maximum physical dimensions.