The moose (Alces alces) is the largest species within the deer family (Cervidae). This massive herbivore is recognizable by its long legs, humped shoulders, and enormous size in the northern forests it inhabits. Its body mass varies considerably, influenced by sex, age, and geographic location.
Weight Variation by Sex and Maturity
The weight of a fully grown moose is primarily determined by its sex. Mature males, known as bulls, typically weigh between 380 and 700 kilograms (838 to 1,543 pounds). Females, or cows, are noticeably smaller, generally weighing 200 to 490 kilograms (441 to 1,080 pounds). This size disparity reflects mating pressures, as larger bulls often dominate and secure breeding rights.
Moose continue to grow until they are fully mature, reaching their maximum weight potential around four to six years of age. An individual is considered fully grown and at its maximum weight potential around four to six years of age.
The largest confirmed weight ever recorded was an exceptional bull taken in 1897 near the Yukon River, weighing 820 kilograms (1,808 pounds). This measurement highlights the upper limits of the species’ growth potential under optimal conditions.
Geographic Influence on Moose Size
Adult weights vary due to subspecific differences and environmental factors across the moose’s circumpolar distribution. The species is divided into several subspecies, each adapted to its local climate and food availability.
The Alaskan or Yukon moose (Alces alces gigas), inhabiting Alaska and the western Yukon territory, is recognized as the largest subspecies. These animals benefit from a rich diet and the evolutionary advantage of being larger in colder climates, a principle known as Bergmann’s Rule.
Conversely, the Shiras moose, found in the Rocky Mountain regions, is the smallest North American subspecies. The quality of local forage and the severity of winter directly impact an animal’s ability to maximize its mass. While the largest specimens are found in North America, European populations (Eurasian elk) also exhibit variation but tend to be slightly smaller than the Alaskan variety.
Understanding the Physical Scale
The moose’s physical dimensions contribute to the perception of its immense size. The average adult stands between 1.4 and 2.1 meters (4 feet 7 inches to nearly 7 feet) high when measured to the top of the shoulder hump. This shoulder height is a significant marker, making the moose the tallest deer species in the world.
The largest bulls can stand just shy of 7 feet at the shoulder, with their heads and antlers reaching even higher. An adult moose also possesses a substantial body length, ranging from 2.4 to 3.1 meters (7 feet 10 inches to 10 feet 2 inches) from head to tail.
To visualize this scale, an average bull is comparable in height to a standard doorway or a large draft horse. This combination of towering height and dense body mass makes the moose an imposing figure on the landscape.