When it comes to the antlers, the moose is the most different since its antlers are flat and wide. The elk, caribou and reindeer are almost the same size. All four of these animals are species of deer but among the four, the moose is the largest. The main differences between the moose, elk, caribou, and reindeer would be in their body size, as well as the size and shape of their antlers. The Mule Deer (Odocoileus Hemionus) is a deer indigenous to the Western part of the United States, its name comes from the large ears the animal typically has which are large like those of the mule. They travel in herds and live primarily in the Arctic. It has sharp and pointy antlers and often identified by their stocky, thick necks. The Reindeer is the most popular among the species of deer. A reindeer – Photo by cmonphotography from Pexels A caribou and reindeer are in fact the same animal ( Rangifer Tarandus) with different continents using different common names for them. They usually travel in herds and are found in North America, Europe, Asia and Greenland.

A caribouĬaribou is a species of deer that has tall, curved antlers and a white coat on the neck. They live in the mountainous forests in North America and East Asia. The elk is among the largest deer species, characterized by tall, sharp antlers, dark shaggy necks and pale rumps. They are browsers, not grazers, and are solitary animals. Moose can be found in Canada, Alaska and in the coldest regions in Europe. It can easily be identified by its flat, wide antlers and bulky face. The moose is the largest deer species in the world. These are special animals that often attract a lot of attention from hunters and wildlife watchers alike.”ĭo you have a hunting, fishing or wildlife-related question for a Colorado Parks and Wildlife biologist? Submit your question to Jerry Neal Your question may be used in an upcoming “Ask the Biologist” segment on Colorado Outdoors Online.Moose Elk Caribou Reindeer Flat, wide antlers Tall, sharp antlers Tall, curved antlers Sharp and pointy antlers that can be covered in velvet depending on the season Bulky face Dark, shaggy necks Usually has a white coat on its neck Stocky with thick necks Solitary animals Travels in herds Travels in herds Travels in herds Can be found in Canada and Alaska Lives in mountainous forests in North America and East Asia Found in North America, Europe, Asia and Greenland Lives primarily in the Arctic Definitions A moose So, as you can see, there are a variety of factors that can cause nontypical antler growth in deer and elk, but each of these scenarios can make for some incredible looking antlers. This is from the animal putting more energy into healing the injury rather than toward antler growth. For example, if a buck or bull has an injured leg, their antlers may become deformed or stunted. Lastly, bodily injuries can affect how antlers develop. Animals with this condition often grow points and spikes in all directions and are sometimes referred to as “sticker” bucks or bulls. Instead, They will have a large mass of velvet near the pedicle. Bucks or bulls with low testosterone levels often will not shed their velvet at all. In addition, hormone levels can also affect antler growth. His enormous, nontypical antlers earned appreciation from photographers, wildlife watchers and big-game hunters. This amazing buck was seen near Colorado Springs in 2011. This is often the case where non-typical antlered bulls or bucks are common in a specific area. Genetics also play a role in antler development. However, if the velvet gets severely damaged, the bull or buck will likely display non-typical antler growth that season, but the antlers will grow normally the following year - if the velvet is unharmed. The velvet protects blood vessels and the soft material developing underneath that eventually becomes the hardened antler. If a buck or bull has a damaged pedicle, the animal will likely have nontypical antlers every year.Īntlers in the velvet stage are also susceptible to becoming damaged or deformed. This often happens at an early age or right after the animal has shed its antlers in the spring. One of the most common causes of nontypical antlers happens when the buck or bull damages the pedicle or base where the antlers grow. “There are several factors that can cause non-typical or deformed antlers.

Elk vs deer antlers