In Europe, the word elk is used to refer to the moose (Alces alces) whereas Wapiti (Cervus Canadensis) is used for elk. The elk and moose might be two different species, but they all belong to the same family. Moose have heart-shaped hooves like that of a deer while the elk's hooves are tooth-shaped. The hooves of moose are pointed since the animal has a different migratory pattern.

The tip of an elk's hooves are somewhat blunted as they are designated for travelling longer distances than their counterparts. The two animal species differ in the shape of their hooves. Track marks also largely depend on the type of ground. Since the moose has a bigger body than the elk, its track marks tend to sink deeper into the soil compared to the slightly lighter legs of the elk. The track marks of the elk also show evidence of the animal travelling in herds. According to most hunters, the elk often leave a three inch wide and four inch long print while moose leave deeper and larger tracks. Therefore, most hunters are able to distinguish between the elk and moose by examining their tracks. Tracks and Hooves Shapesīoth the elk and moose species are usually hunted for their meat and antlers. If moose are traveling in groups they are often with the company of their young ones. Sometimes moose can be seen traveling in small groups but this is a rare occurrence. While elk gather in herds, moose are solitary animals who prefer to travel alone. Typically, the elk flees at the sight of people whereas the moose is less likely to flee making them easier to kill. The moose and elk tend to act differently when approached by humans. Moose are a more common species than elk. However, the antlers of some young moose bulls may not have flattened out yet. A mature bull moose has broad and flat antlers while the elk has pointed antlers. The moose has a long bulbous nose with a 'bell' under the throat while the elk has a narrower snout with no 'bell' under the throat. Physical FeaturesĪn elk is a large animal with a reddish hue to its hair while the moose is much larger than an adult elk and has a darker brown coat which almost appears black. When it comes to telling the two apart, the guidelines are more complicated than one would assume. The elk can sometimes be confused with the moose - however, the moose ( Alces alces ) is the largest extant species found in the deer family. They are the largest land mammals found in the regions of Eastern Asia and North America. The elk ( Cervus Canadensis) also known as Wapiti, is among the world's largest deer species in the Cervidae family. What are the Differences Between Moose and Elk? An elk in Alberta, Canada.

Elk lodge vs moose lodge