Elk vs deer antlers12/3/2023 ![]() Color of the Coatĭeer have reddish-brown coats that may turn grey during winter, while some species, like the whitetail, will have white speckles and a white tail (think Bambi and you’ve got it). Elk boasts the usual antlers associated with deer species, big, branched antlers that stretch far above the head. Size of AntlersĬlassic deer species have spiky antlers or shorter branches antlers. Elk can reach over 5 feet in height, over 9 feet in length, and weigh up to 800 pounds. Species like white-tail, roe, and mule deer are smaller, with a height of 3.5 feet, length of 7 feet, and a maximum weight of 300 pounds. Perhaps the most observable difference between elk and normal deer species is size. Elk are more suited to forests higher up in mountain ranges. Now let’s take a closer look at some of the differences between Elk and Deer outlined above.īull Elk in a forest, antlers covered in velvet Range & HabitatĬlassic deer species will live in grasslands, savannahs, and forests. Hooves leave a delicate heart-shaped print. ![]() Hooves leave prints in two circular parallel halves. Largely silent but can make chirping sounds, bleats, and squeals. Loud mating calls and other roaring vocalizations. Plant-based specialist that grazes on grass.įoraging animals with a diverse plant-based diet, including plants, leaves, grasses, lichens, tree bark, and fruit. Spiky antlers or shorter, branched antlers curving to the face. Tall, large, and imposing branched antlers on males only that curve towards the body. Species like whitetails have parts that are white. More off-brown that turns greyish brown during the winter months. Shaggy hair and a mane to protect them during cold winters. Height of 3.5 feet, length of 7 feet, and a maximum weight of 300 pounds.īlacker legs with thick, brown coat. Widespread worldwide and found in forests, savannahs, grasslands, deserts, and even urban areas.ĥ feet in height, over 9 feet in length, and weighs up to 800 pounds. 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.Let’s start with a quick, side-by-side comparison between Elk and Deer to highlight the unique characteristics that distinguish Elk from other types of deer.įorested mountainous regions in small pockets around North America. 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. ![]()
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