What Is the Difference Between Elk, Moose and Deer?

Elk, moose and deer are species of the Cervidae family of mammals, which also includes caribou. The main difference between elk, moose and deer is size. Deer usually weigh less than 200 pounds, and moose can reach 1,400 pounds. Their habitats also differ greatly, but there are areas in the United States where all three are native.

  1. Range

    • Moose can get up to 1,400 pounds.

      Montana and Idaho are the only states with sizable populations of all three of these animals, though the very northern part of New England and Alaska have some of all three. Deer have by far the greatest range and population, ranging from Canada to Argentina. Elk are mostly in the Rocky Mountains, and they range from Mexico well into Canada. Moose are primarily in Canada and Alaska, though they also live in the mountainous areas of Montana and as far south as Colorado. Moose also live in Maine and northernmost New England.

    Size

    • Elk enjoy cooler climates and tend to stay in herds.

      Moose are the largest of the three and can grow to 7.5 feet tall at the shoulder. Adult males range from 900 to 1,400 pounds, while female adults are in the range of 700-800 pounds. Elk have a wide range of size depending on habitat and environment. They range from 400 to 1,100 pounds. Deer are the smallest of the three animals, and they are at the most 4 feet tall at the shoulder. A large deer would weigh 400 pounds; an average male deer would be about 200 pounds, with a female a little less.

    Appearance

    • Whitetail are the most common type of deer in the United States.

      All three of these animals are tall with long legs, and their males have antlers. All three have hooved feet. Deer are light brown; their coats lean toward red in summer and gray in winter.

      Moose can be almost black, and their coats are usually light brown in summer and turn gray in winter. Their antlers are distinct with a flat appearance and can be 5 feet wide.

      Elk are brown with a thick fur coat, and they also tend to turn gray in winter. Males have large antlers covered with tiny hair. Elk also have a light-brown rump, which lends its Native American name "Wapiti," meaning white rump.

    Habits

    • All three of these animals are plant eaters. Moose and elk are more likely to graze on grasses; deer prefer leaves, fruits, and nuts at times. Deer tend to stay in small herds, with does keeping their young close. They have more of a herd mentality in mating season.

      Moose are loners and are rarely seen in groups. They like water, and they can swim very well and stay submerged for two or three minutes at a time.

      Elk are very social and like to stay in herds. They are the most noisy of the three, with a distinct sound or bark. All three are cud-chewing animals.

    Population

    • Deer are very plentiful in the United States, Canada and into South America thanks to an active conservation program over the last 50 years. Hunting rules are rather liberal in many states.

      Moose were once in danger of becoming extinct, but they are recovering. Hunting opportunities are very limited.

      Elk have a strong population in the northern Rocky Mountains and have the smallest range of the three types of animals. Hunting is limited, but is allowed in Montana, Idaho, the Dakotas and northern Utah, usually through a lottery system.