Difference Between Moose & Elk Tracks

Both prized for their antlers and meat, moose and elk are popular game for hunters. Moose are the largest of the deer family, with elk being the second-largest. However, they must often be tracked, for they are elusive and quick on their feet. Telling the difference between the two is an integral trait for a hunter, and the knowledge can aid hunting one animal or the other specifically.

  1. Size

    • Because of its size, the moose has a larger footprint overall when compared with the elk. A moose footprint can be almost 1 inch to 3 inches longer than a large bull elk. Elk, on the other hand, have smaller tracks, which are generally 4 inches long and 3 inches wide.

    Shape

    • While the general shape of elk and moose hooves are similar because they are from the same family, there is one major difference between the two -- the tip of the hoof. Elk hooves are blunted, made for running long distances. Moose, on the other hand, do not migrate in the same manner as elk and have a more pointed tip to their hooves.

    Depth

    • Light on their feet and a smaller animal than the moose, elk leave tracks that are generally not as deep as those of moose. Even a large bull elk's tracks cannot compare in terms of how deep moose tracks are. Moose tracks sink as far in to the ground as it permits depending on how soft or hard the ground is.

    Amount

    • Elk generally travel in herds, while moose are more solitary creatures. This means that elk tracks generally consist of several sets of tracks, if not hundreds. This is one of the first, and easiest, indicators when tracking elk. Moose, on the other hand, will generally have one solitary track unless they have young with them. In that case, there will be one large set of tracks, indicating the mother moose, and one or two smaller tracks indicating the young.