Moose vs. Elk

The most common misidentification hunters in Colorado make is confusing moose and elk.

Bull Moose vs. Bull Elk

Shown here are four images: two are bull elk and two are bull moose. Notice the differences between them.

Moose are the largest animal in Colorado and are significantly larger than elk. A bull moose can be 6 to 7 feet tall at the shoulders and weighs over 1,000 pounds. A bull elk is typically 4 to 5 feet tall at the shoulders and weighs around 600 pounds.

Moose typically have a much darker coat than elk and lack the lighter rump coloring of elk.

The nose of a moose is also much larger and rather bulbous, or round, compared to the pointy nose of an elk.

The antlers of moose and elk also grow very differently. The antlers of a moose grow out to the side of their head, while the antlers of an elk grow backward over their bodies. The antlers of an elk have a main beam with long points growing off that main beam, while the antlers of a moose grow in a shovel-like shape with many points growing off of the thick, shovel-shaped portion.

Finally, moose grow a flapping piece of skin under their throats called a dewlap or bell. This feature is unique to moose and is not present in elk.

Cow Moose vs. Cow Elk

The defining characteristics of bull moose and bull elk are also present in the females of the species, with the exception of the antlers.

A cow moose will be significantly larger than a cow elk. The cow moose will be darker in color, whereas the cow elk will be lighter in color and its rump will be even lighter than their main body. The cow moose will have a large rounded nose, whereas the nose of a cow elk is more pointed. The cow moose will have a dewlap, while the cow elk will not.