Moose are undeniably large creatures. As the largest extant members of the deer family (Cervidae) and the second-largest land mammal in North America, surpassed only by the bison, their imposing size is a defining characteristic. However, the question “How Big Is A Moose?” requires a more nuanced answer than a simple declaration of “very big.” To truly understand the scale of these magnificent animals, we need to delve into specifics, exploring the variations in size across subspecies and considering different measurements.
Generally speaking, a large bull moose can weigh between 1,200 and 1,600 pounds, while adult cow moose typically range from 800 to 1,300 pounds, as reported by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. But weight is just one dimension. Moose are renowned for their height, standing tall above many other North American mammals. Furthermore, the impressive antlers of bull moose add significantly to their overall size and grandeur. Beyond mere statistics, the sheer size of a moose has a profound impact, particularly for hunters in northern regions where they are a vital food source, and for sportsmen worldwide who dream of the ultimate moose hunt.
As the esteemed Jack O’Connor, former shooting editor for Outdoor Life, eloquently stated, “It is difficult for the man who is used to hunting deer or even elk to conceive of the enormous bulk of a big bull moose… The moose is not only very heavy, but with his long legs is also tremendously tall.” O’Connor recounted witnessing a massive moose in the Yukon in 1945 that measured an astounding 7.5 feet from hoof to hump.
Let’s break down the specifics to truly grasp how big a moose can be.
Moose Subspecies and Size Variations
North America is home to four recognized subspecies of moose, each with distinct geographical ranges and subtle differences in size. Ranking them from largest to smallest provides a clearer picture of these variations.
Alaskan Moose: The Giants of the North
The Alaskan moose subspecies, as the name suggests, primarily inhabits Alaska and the western Yukon territory. These are the undisputed giants of the moose world.
- Range: Alaska and western Yukon territory
- Weight: Bull moose typically weigh between 1,200 to 1,800 pounds, with some exceptional individuals exceeding this range. Cow moose are also substantial, weighing between 800 to 1,300 pounds.
Northwestern Moose (or Western Canada Moose): Size in Western Canada and US
Also known as the Western Canada moose, this subspecies occupies a broad range across northwestern Canada extending south into the northern regions of Wisconsin and Michigan in the United States.
- Range: Northwestern Canada, extending into northern Wisconsin and Michigan
- Weight: Bull moose of this subspecies are still impressively large, weighing from 800 to 1,600 pounds. Cow moose are smaller, ranging from 600 to 800 pounds.
Eastern Moose (or Eastern Canada Moose): Dimensions in Eastern Regions
The Eastern moose is found throughout eastern Canada and into New England in the northeastern United States.
- Range: Eastern Canada and New England
- Weight: Eastern moose bulls are generally smaller than Alaskan moose but still sizeable, weighing between 1,100 to 1,400 pounds. Cows are similar in size to Northwestern moose cows, weighing 600 to 800 pounds.
Shiras Moose: The Smaller Rocky Mountain Moose
The Shiras moose, also known as the Wyoming moose, is the smallest of the North American subspecies. They inhabit the Rocky Mountains, ranging from southern Canada down to northern Utah and Colorado.
- Range: Rocky Mountains from southern Canada to northern Utah and Colorado
- Weight: Shiras moose bulls can reach up to 1,000 pounds, while cows weigh between 500 to 800 pounds.
Moose Height: Towering Above the Wildlife
Moose are not only heavy but also remarkably tall animals. Their height contributes significantly to their overall imposing presence.
An Alaskan bull moose, when standing alert, can reach a shoulder height of 6 feet or even slightly more. Adding to this height is their head and substantial antler rack, which can extend several feet above their shoulders. To put this into perspective, a typical thoroughbred horse stands around 5 feet 4 inches at the shoulder (withers). Even a large bull elk, another sizeable ungulate, stands about 5 feet tall at the shoulder, according to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. This difference in height clearly illustrates the moose’s dominance in size among North American ungulates.
Antler Size: The Magnificent Rack of a Bull Moose
The antlers of a bull moose are perhaps one of their most striking features, contributing significantly to their perceived size and majesty. These bony structures are grown annually, developing each spring and summer and then shed in the winter. Hunters and wildlife enthusiasts alike are often captivated by the sheer size and spread of moose antlers.
Boone & Crockett Scoring System
The size of moose antlers is formally measured using the Boone & Crockett Club scoring system. This comprehensive system takes into account various dimensions, including the width of the antler spread, the number of points, the width and length of the palms, and the circumference of the main beams, all tallied to give a total score in inches.
Record-Breaking Moose Antlers
The highest-scoring moose antler ever recorded reached an astonishing 266 4/8 inches. This world-record bull was harvested in the lower Yukon River of Alaska in 2010 by Rex J. Nick, a testament to the potential size Alaskan moose antlers can achieve.
More simply, antler size is often described by the width of their spread, measured as the distance from the outside of one antler to the outside of the other. For an Alaskan bull moose, a 70-inch spread is considered exceptionally large and a trophy for most hunters. For Canada moose (Eastern and Northwestern subspecies), a 50-inch spread is typically deemed trophy-worthy. Shiras moose, being smaller overall, have smaller antlers, with a 40-inch spread considered big for this subspecies. The world record Shiras moose antlers scored 205 4/8 points and were taken in 1952.
In 2017, Alaskan hunter Israel Payton gained considerable attention for harvesting a bull moose with an incredible 80-inch antler spread. To visualize this, 80 inches is over 6.5 feet in width – taller than the average player in the National Basketball Association! This remarkable example emphasizes the truly enormous scale moose antlers can attain.
Moose Size Compared to Other Large Mammals: A Visual Guide
While moose are the tallest ungulates in North America, they are not the heaviest. That title belongs to the American bison. To further contextualize the size of a moose, consider this comparison with other large mammals around the world. The weights listed are the high-end weights for males, and heights are measured at the shoulder.
| Animal | Weight | Height |
|---|---|---|
| Alaskan Moose | 1,800 pounds | 7 feet |
| Roosevelt Elk | 1,100 pounds | 5.5 feet |
| Bison | 2,000 pounds | 6 feet |
| Whitetail Deer | 300 pounds | 3.9 feet |
| Cape Buffalo | 2,000 pounds | 5.5 feet |
| African Elephant | 14,000 pounds | 13 feet |
This table clearly demonstrates that while moose are significantly larger than animals like whitetail deer and elk, they are comparable in height to bison, although bison are generally heavier. African elephants dwarf all of these North American mammals in both weight and height, showcasing the vast range in size within the animal kingdom.
The Practicality of Moose Size: Packing and Hunting
The sheer size of a moose is not just an interesting biological fact; it has real-world implications, especially for hunters. Anyone who has hunted moose understands the immense task of processing and transporting these animals.
Experienced moose hunters often advise against harvesting a bull moose more than a mile from accessible terrain, such as a road or navigable river. The reason is simple: packing out the meat and antlers of a moose is an incredibly strenuous and demanding undertaking. A 1,600-pound moose can dress out to around 950 pounds, yielding approximately 500 pounds of meat, according to the ADFG. This is a substantial amount of weight to move, often in challenging backcountry conditions.
One hunter recounted his first moose hunt in British Columbia, where even a half-mile pack-out felt like a monumental effort, requiring assistance just to stand up under the weight of a hindquarter. In contrast, another hunter described a more efficient method using pickup trucks and pulleys to drag a moose out to a logging road, highlighting the ingenuity required when dealing with such large animals.
The challenges of transporting moose have even led to the development of specialized equipment, often called “custom moose buggies,” particularly in Alaska and Canada. These are essentially all-terrain vehicles modified for the specific purpose of hauling moose out of remote wilderness areas, showcasing the practical implications of the moose’s impressive size.
Moose Size FAQs: Answering Your Burning Questions
To further clarify the topic of moose size, let’s address some frequently asked questions.
How Big is the Largest Moose Ever Recorded?
The Alaskan moose holds the record for the largest moose subspecies, and the heaviest Alaskan moose ever recorded weighed an astonishing 1,808 pounds, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. This truly emphasizes the potential for extreme size within this subspecies.
Moose vs. Grizzly Bear Size Comparison
Adult moose are considerably larger than grizzly bears. While a large male grizzly bear can weigh up to 1,000 pounds, they are often smaller. Despite this size difference, grizzly bears are still known to prey on moose, particularly calves and weaker individuals, demonstrating that size is not the only factor in predator-prey dynamics.
Is Moose Meat Palatable?
Moose meat is not just palatable; it is considered by many to be excellent. Often compared to beef but with a richer flavor, moose meat is a highly prized food source. Many hunters and food enthusiasts consider moose steak to be a superior alternative to beef steak, highlighting the culinary value associated with these large animals.
Moose Size in the Deer Family Hierarchy
Moose are indeed the largest surviving member of the deer family. Historically, there were even larger deer species, such as the extinct Irish elk (also known as the giant deer). The Irish elk, despite its name, was neither an elk nor exclusively from Ireland. It stood approximately 7 feet tall at the shoulder and boasted antlers spanning an incredible 12 feet, according to the University of California, Berkeley. This extinct giant deer underscores that while moose are the largest deer today, even larger members of the deer family once roamed the earth.
Conclusion: Appreciating the Immense Size of the Moose
In conclusion, “how big is a moose?” is a question answered with impressive statistics and captivating anecdotes. A truly large bull moose is an animal of such magnitude that it can dominate the dreams of hunters and test the limits of even successful ones. Their size contributes to their imposing presence in the wild, their ecological role, and the challenges and rewards associated with hunting them.
Despite their size, moose are often elusive and prefer dense habitats where they can seemingly disappear despite their bulk. Whether admired for their majestic antlers, respected for their size, or valued as a food source, the moose remains a truly iconic and impressive symbol of the North American wilderness.
