Moose vs Elk: Understanding the Contrasts

Leave a comment / / Updated on: 16th November 2023

moose vs elk

Summary: Moose vs Elk Comparison Chart

Key DifferencesMooseElk
Scientific ClassificationClass: Mammalia
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Cervidae
Subfamily: Capreolinae
Genus: Alces
Species: Alces alces
Class: Mammalia
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Cervidae
Subfamily: Cervinae
Genus: Cervus
Species: Cervus canadensis
Appearance-Dark brown to almost black; light lower legs
-Has a dewlap under the chin
-Rounded nose; upper lip overhangs the lower lip
-Lighter shades; sharp contrast between the head, neck, and leg fur and the fur on the rest of the body
-Narrower, more pointed nose
SizeHeight: 1.4–2.1 m (4.6–6.9 ft)
Length: 2.4–3.1 m (7.9–10.2 ft)
Weight: 200–700 kg (441–1,543 lb)
Height: 0.75–1.5 m (2.5–4.9 ft)
Length: 1.6–2.7 m (5.2–8.9 ft)
Weight: 171–497 kg (377–1,096 lb)
Antlers-Grew sideways from each side of the head
-Have a paddle-like structure
-Several points grow out of each paddle-like structure
-Grow backward from the top of the head
-Have a main beam supporting up to six tines each
DistributionNorth America, Europe, and AsiaAsia and North America
Habitat-Subalpine shrublands, river valleys covered in deciduous trees
-Can adapt to various habitats
-Prefer territories with snow that are close to water source
Boreal forests, mountainous areas, open deciduous forests, grasslands
Behavior-Solitary
-Active in the mornings and evenings, but sometimes throughout the day
-Highly gregarious
-Active primarily in the mornings and evenings
Diet-Brower
-Half of its diet consists of aquatic plants
-Grazer and occasionally browser

It is not uncommon for people to mistake moose and elk.

They often use these terms interchangeably.

This confusion stems from the fact that moose are, reasonably so, called elk in some regions, whereas true elk are, in fact, a completely different species.

Elk is also part of a deer group separate from that which contains moose.

That’s quite confusing, isn’t it? Don’t worry! We’ve explained everything in this article.

Keep reading to learn what makes moose different from elk and why it is important to distinguish these two deer species.

Gage Beasley's In-Demand Plush Toys
Gage Beasley’s In-Demand Plush Toys

Taxonomy and Physical Characteristics

Key DifferencesMooseElk
Scientific ClassificationClass: Mammalia
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Cervidae
Subfamily: Capreolinae
Genus: Alces
Species: Alces alces
Class: Mammalia
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Cervidae
Subfamily: Cervinae
Genus: Cervus
Species: Cervus canadensis
Appearance-Dark brown to almost black; light lower legs
-Has a dewlap under the chin
-Rounded nose; upper lip overhangs the lower lip
-Lighter shades; sharp contrast between the head, neck, and leg fur and the fur on the rest of the body
-Narrower, more pointed nose
Moose
Moose | Nemo212 via VS Battles Wiki

The essential thing to discuss when comparing moose and elk is their scientific classification and common names.

These two species have long been confused with one another because people usually tend to use the terms moose and elk interchangeably.

Reasonably so, because the moose, scientifically called Alces alces, is called moose only in North America.

In Eurasia, on the other hand, it is called elk.

But the true elk, though, isn’t Alces alces, but Cervus canadensis.

This species, in turn, isn’t only called elk, but also wapiti. In short, things are quite complicated, but we’ll make it easy for you.

We’ll use the term moose for Alces alces and elk for Cervus canadensis.

First things first, the two species are part of different subfamilies.

The moose is in the Capreolinae subfamily of telemetacarpal deer, while the elk is part of the Cervinae subfamily of plesiometacarpal deer.

As you may have noticed, the biggest difference between them that stands behind this classification is their ankle structure – the moose has distal lateral metacarpals, whereas the elk has only proximal lateral metacarpals.

But that’s not the only difference, so keep reading!

Elk
Elk | Lgcfm via ZT2 Download Library Wiki

Both moose and elk change their coats depending on the season.

Moose fur can be of different shades, starting from dark brown to almost black.

Their lower legs, however, are typically lighter.

Young moose are reddish-brown.

Conversely, elk are grayish or light brown during the winter and dark reddish during the summer.

Elk coat colors also depend on their geographic distribution, as populations living in arid climates are typically lighter and exhibit a sharp contrast between the hairs on the head, neck, and legs and the rest of the body.

Some elk populations are also known to grow thick manes.

Both moose and elk have massive bodies supported by strong yet slender legs.

Nonetheless, one quite noticeable thing that can help you distinguish them – moose have a dewlap or a fold of skin under their chins.

Their noses are quite different as well – a moose’s nose is more rounded, and its upper lip overhangs the lower lip, whereas an elk’s nose is rather narrow and pointed.

Size Comparison

Key DifferencesMooseElk
SizeHeight: 1.4–2.1 m (4.6–6.9 ft)
Length: 2.4–3.1 m (7.9–10.2 ft)
Weight: 200–700 kg (441–1,543 lb)
Height: 0.75–1.5 m (2.5–4.9 ft)
Length: 1.6–2.7 m (5.2–8.9 ft)
Weight: 171–497 kg (377–1,096 lb)
A large bull Moose looking at the camera in a swampy wildlife refuge
A large bull Moose looking at the camera in a swampy wildlife refuge | John Morrison via iStock

Moose and elk are the largest deer species. The moose is larger than the elk.

While the moose stands at 1.4–2.1 meters (4.6–6.9 feet) tall at the shoulder, the elk has a shoulder height of 0.75–1.5 meters (2.5–4.9 feet).

Furthermore, the head-and-body length of the moose is approximately 2.4–3.1 meters (7.9–10.2 feet), whereas elk measure only 1.6–2.7 meters (5.2–8.9 feet) long.

There is a big gap between them in terms of weight as well – moose weigh 200–700 kilograms (441–1,543 pounds), whereas elk weigh 171–497 kilograms (377–1,096 pounds).

Despite such a big difference between the two in terms of size, both are much larger than other deer species. In addition, the moose is North America’s tallest mammal.

An Elk deer in Jasper National Park near Maligne Canyon
An Elk deer in Jasper National Park near Maligne Canyon | Membeth via Wikipedia CC0

Antler Comparison

Key DifferencesMooseElk
Antlers-Grew sideways from each side of the head
-Have a paddle-like structure
-Several points grow out of each paddle-like structure
-Grow backward from the top of the head
-Have a main beam supporting up to six tines each
Moose antlers
Moose antlers | stoonn via iStock

Like other members of the deer family, only bulls grow antlers. They grow as the animals age.

Their size, symmetry, and aspect depend on their owners’ diet, testosterone levels, and overall health. Antlers also play a significant role during the breeding season.

As expected, considering its size, a moose’s antlers are much larger and heavier than an elk’s.

They can weigh up to 35 kilograms (77 pounds)! Conversely, the heaviest elk antlers weigh only 18 kilograms (39.6 pounds).

However, if you spot one in the woods, you won’t be able to understand if it’s a moose or an elk based on the weight of their antlers. So, here’s what you need to check:

  • Where do the antlers grow from? Moose antlers grow sideways from each side of their heads, while elk antlers grow backward from the top of their heads.
  • What form do the antlers have? Moose antlers have a paddle-like structure which is broad and flat. Each one supports several points. Conversely, elk antlers have a main beam that supports up to six times each.

Here’s an interesting fact! The moose antler record is held by a specimen whose antlers measured 192 centimeters (75.62 inches) at the greatest spread.

3D render of Elk antlers
3D render of Elk antlers | Galina Shafran via iStock

Habitat and Range

Key DifferencesMooseElk
DistributionNorth America, Europe, and AsiaAsia and North America
Habitat-Subalpine shrublands, river valleys covered in deciduous trees
-Can adapt to various habitats
-Prefer territories with snow that are close to water source
Boreal forests, mountainous areas, open deciduous forests, grasslands

Moose are found in North America, Europe, and Asia. Elk live in Asia and North America. Both species have several subspecies grouped based on their geographic distribution.

In general, moose can live in any habitat as long as there’s enough plant matter, as well as places to hide from predators and extreme weather conditions.

Additionally, they prefer territories with snow, as this helps them survive. Since they also feed on aquatic plants, habitats with water sources are favored.

It has been proven that moose are primarily found in subalpine shrublands at the beginning of winter.

By the end of the season, however, they move to river valleys covered in deciduous trees.

Similar to moose, elk live in boreal forests, mountainous areas, open deciduous forests, and grasslands.

Behavioral Differences

Key DifferencesMooseElk
Behavior-Solitary
-Active in the mornings and evenings, but sometimes throughout the day
-Highly gregarious
-Active primarily in the mornings and evenings

Moose are usually active during the day, although they may be spotted in the mornings and evenings.

A bull moose wades out into a pond and eats the vegetation from the bottom of the pond
A bull moose wades out into a pond and eats the vegetation from the bottom of the pond | RichardSeeley via iStock

They spend much of their time  feeding, moving between feeding sites, avoiding predators, and taking breaks when possible.

Moose do not live in groups, except for the mating season. Afterward, only mothers and calves are seen together.

Besides this, moose are also quite friendly. They aren’t usually territorial with other moose and won’t show aggression toward humans unless provoked.

Predators, though, make for a completely different story. Moose will protect themselves against predators at all costs!

They’re quite strong and capable of killing black and brown bears, wolves, and other animals. One female moose is even known to have killed two male wolves!

Although quite large and heavy, moose are surprisingly good runners and swimmers! They can reach 56 km/h (34.8 mph) while running and 9.5 km/h (5.9 mph) while swimming.

They are even known to dive over 5.5 meters (18 feet) beneath the water surface to feed!

The major difference between moose and elk in terms of behavior is their sociability – while moose are solitary, elk are highly gregarious. Their groups can consist of as many as 400 elk!

An Elk herd in Colorado mountains
An Elk herd in Colorado mountains | milehightraveler via iStock

However, female and male elk are usually separated, except for the mating season, when they come together.

Many elk groups are known to engage in seasonal migrations. More precisely, when the temperatures start rising, they migrate to higher altitudes. During the fall, they return to their normal habitat.

Predators and Self-Protection

Key DifferencesMooseElk
PredatorsSiberian tigers, packs of gray wolves, brown and black bears, cougars and wolverines, and orcasCoyotes, wolves, cougars, Siberian tigers, and black and brown bears.

What about predators? Are these animals at risk of predation? They are, of course, like all other animals, except that elk are slightly more vulnerable than moose.

Considering their size, moose can defend themselves quite well. They’re known to be preyed upon only by Siberian tigers, packs of gray wolves, and brown and black bears. Occasionally, cougars and wolverines may attempt to kill a moose.

Two wolves attack a moose at Isle Royale, Michigan, United States
Two wolves attack a moose at Isle Royale, Michigan, United States | Rolf Peterson via Wikipedia CC BY 3.0

Since moose are also good swimmers and spend much time in the water, they are sometimes preyed upon by orcas.

On the other hand, although elk are slightly more susceptible to predation than moose because they’re smaller, the fact that they live in large groups puts them in a favorable position.

In addition, they can switch from grazing to browsing, if necessary. Elk predators include coyotes, wolves, cougars, Siberian tigers, and black and brown bears.

A Coyote feeding on an Elk carcass during winter in Lamar Valley
A Coyote feeding on an Elk carcass during winter in Lamar Valley | Jim Peaco via Wikimedia Public Domain

Diet and Feeding Habits

Key DifferencesMooseElk
Diet-Brower
-Half of its diet consists of aquatic plants
Grazer and occasionally browser

Moose are browsers, while elk are grazers. This means that moose feed primarily on the leaves and fruits of woody plants. Elk, on the other hand, prefer eating grass and other types of lower vegetation.

Another essential thing to mention when discussing the two is that moose have to eat thrice as much as elk! An elk needs approximately 9.1 kilograms (20 pounds) of vegetation a day.

Closeup of a young bull Moose eating willows by the lake
Closeup of a young bull Moose eating willows by the lake | tvirbickis via iStock

Conversely, a moose requires up to 32 kilograms (70.5 pounds) of plants daily! Just imagine how much time it spends foraging!

Moose are known to prefer feeding on forbs, fresh shoots from birch and willow trees, as well as aquatic plants like pondweed and lilies.

In fact, half of their diet consists of aquatic plants because terrestrial plants are low in sodium.

The curious thing about these animals is that they lack the front teeth on their upper jaw. So, how do they actually eat, you may be wondering, right?

Well, they have eight incisors on their lower jaws and quite a tough tongue. Besides this, they have lips and gums, which also help in the process.

Their upper lips are prehensile, allowing them to grab branches or pull forbs.

Sometimes, moose even stand on their hind legs to reach branches growing higher on a tree.

We know we have said elk are primarily grazers. But the truth is – sometimes they’re browsers as well! So, it is obvious that elk are more opportunistic in terms of vegetation.

A young Elk grazing in a lush meadow
A young Elk grazing in a lush meadow | AscentXmedia via iStock

However, they have some preferences, which depend on the season. In winter, for example, elk favor tree bark.

During the summer, they look for forbs and tree sprouts, particularly aspen sprouts. Grasses, on the other hand, are eaten year-round.

Human Interactions

Elk are typically more aggressive than moose, especially during the mating season. However, both will attack humans if they feel threatened or cornered.

Moose, for instance, may actually feel more threatened by dogs and cars than humans.

Furthermore, since people often try to get too close to them, this can cause moose to be agitated and stressed. They’ll attack without thinking twice.

A bull Moose, disturbed by the photographer, lowers his head and raises his hackles | Zaereth via Wikipedia Public Domain

Moose are particularly aggressive in autumn, during the breeding season, and late spring and summer, when they’re protecting their babies.

As mentioned, elk are quite aggressive as well. In Alberta, for example, people are at a higher risk of being attacked by an elk than a bear.

Of over 3,000 animal attacks that occurred between 2011 and 2021, over 2,000 were caused by elk.

Specialists concluded this is most likely linked to people being uninformed, approaching elk too closely, or being in the vicinity of elk babies.

Besides this, bulls may attack anyone getting too close to them during the fall to protect their girlfriends.

Moose and elk attacks may occur when people attempt to feed them. One may find it cute and helpful to feed these huge animals, but, in fact, it is quite dangerous.

They are not trained to be fed by humans and can react impulsively and aggressively.

Even if someone does succeed in feeding a moose or an elk, the animal will subsequently approach other people to ask for food. If none is given, it might attack.

A photomicrograph of the bacterium Brucella melitensis that causes Brucellosis
A photomicrograph of the bacterium Brucella melitensis that causes Brucellosis | CDC via Wikipedia Public Domain

Moose and elk are carriers of various parasites and diseases, which can be spread to pets,  livestock, and, more rarely, humans.

For example, elk may be affected by brucellosis, which can be transmitted to humans in the form of undulant fever.

As big game animals, moose and elk are sought after by hunters. Their meat is highly prized in the gastronomical universe.

It has a low fat content and adequate protein levels. Elk meat is rich in zinc, phosphorus, and iron.

Conservation Status and Challenges

Moose and elk have been assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List. Although some populations are fragmented, the overall population numbers are constantly increasing, possibly due to a lack of predators.

Nevertheless, these ungulates face multiple threats. Mongolian elk, for example, are extensively hunted for their antler velvet, male genital organs, female tails, and fetuses, which are highly prized in traditional medicine.

Elk skulls in a hunting camp during the Old West
Elk skulls in a hunting camp during the Old West | Natalie M. Curley Vintage Photo Collection via iStock

Consequently, their population declined by around 92% over the past decade.

Moose and elk are threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation, climate-related habitat changes, human disturbance, trophy hunting, and diseases.

Despite this, specialists are convinced their populations are steady.

Conclusion

Moose and elk are the largest deer species. This statement is enough to pique any wildlife enthusiast’s curiosity!

As such, discovering each species’ characteristics, habits, and behavior is essential if one wants to extend their expertise in ungulates!

For example, it is important to know that moose are larger than elk and have quite different antlers. They are browsers, while elk are primarily grazers.

Additionally, moose have darker coats and prefer a solitary lifestyle. Elk, on the other hand, have lighter coats and are highly gregarious.

Since moose and elk are abundant within their range, humans often stumble upon them and do not know how to identify the species. Learning about each can even save one’s life!

Furthermore, understanding each species’ lifestyle and behavior plays a significant role in spreading awareness that, in time, can improve the relationship between them and humans.

Sources:

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