There are 43 different species of deer (also called ruminants) out in the wild. Among them are the moose, elk, caribou, and the reindeer. Some find it hard to differentiate one from the other as they all look quite similar. However, if you know what to look for and inspect close enough, you’ll find out that there are differences in appearance as well as in certain characteristics of the animals. Continue reading this article to ascertain the differences between the moose, elk, caribou, and reindeer.
Summary Table
| 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
The moose is the largest deer species in the world. It can easily be identified by its flat, wide antlers and bulky face. Moose can be found in Canada, Alaska, across parts of the lower 48 in the US, and in the coldest regions in Europe. They are browsers, not grazers, and are solitary animals.
Many people are surprised the moose is part of the deer family. One reason could be that the moose’s features are not very “deer-like.” The moose has a muzzle that goes all the way to the end of its muzzle. In addition, moose have larger heads than other types of deer.
The elk is among the largest deer species, characterized by tall, sharp antlers, dark shaggy necks and pale rumps. They live in the mountainous forests in North America and East Asia. Elks usually travel in herds.
Elk are thought to be descended from the Red Deer, according to several recent genetic studies. These animals are generally found in Central Asia and North America.
These animals once lived in Siberia; however, scientists believe they came across the Land Bridge that connected Asia and North America during the last ice age.
Today, these animals are found living in many environments across the US, except the desert. They also tend to avoid the tundra and boreal forest environments.
Caribou is a species of deer that has tall, curved antlers and a white coat on the neck. They usually travel in herds and are found in North America, Europe, Asia and Greenland. A caribou and reindeer are in fact the same animal (Rangifer Tarandus) with different continents using different common names for them.
The Reindeer is the most popular among the species of deer. It has sharp and pointy antlers and often identified by their stocky, thick necks. They travel in herds and live primarily in the Arctic.
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.
Comparison
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. All four of these animals are species of deer but among the four, the moose is the largest. The elk, caribou and reindeer are almost the same size. When it comes to the antlers, the moose is the most different since its antlers are flat and wide. The caribou’s antlers can be easily identified since they are tall and curved. The antlers of the elk and reindeer are somewhat similar. However, the reindeer’s antlers can be covered in velvet depending on the season.
Moose, caribou, elk, and reindeer are members of the Cervidae deer family, along with 40 other species of deer. This family is also related to antelopes, goats, giraffes, and cattle. They all belong to the mammalian order Artiodactyl.
These animals are also called “ruminants” because they have four-chambered stomachs and are herbivores. These animals don’t chew their food well; they need four stomachs to digest their food thoroughly.
Among the four, the moose is the only solitary animal, while the elk, caribou and reindeer often travel in herds. The moose and elk are browsers or selective feeders. Reindeer, on the other hand, are grazers or roughage feeders. The caribou is noted to be an intermediate feeder or mixed forager.
The moose can be found in Canada and Alaska, while elk live in mountainous forests in North America and East Asia. Caribou are found in North America, Europe, Asia, and Greenland, whereas reindeer live primarily in the Arctic.
Are Caribou and Reindeer the Same Animals?
Yes, reindeer and caribou are the same animals—they’re classified as Rangifer tarandus. However, these animals are not exactly the same.
Caribou are wild deer that are often found in North America. Reindeer is the general name given to deer that have been domesticated in northern Europe, parts of Asia, and in the US state of Alaska.
Domesticated reindeer are generally kept in larger herds raised by communities of people who use the meat and fur of the reindeer. These domesticated herds are larger than wild caribou herds.
