Caribou vs. Elk: Comparing Completely Different Deer Species

Caribou and elk are both part of the family Cervidae, which also includes whitetail deer, roe deer, fallow deer, and red deer. Elk are classified as Cervus canadensis, while caribou are a different species altogether, Rangifer tarandus. Caribou are known as reindeer in Europe and northern Asia.

Despite belonging to the same family, caribou and elk are far from the same species, showing distinct differences in physical and behavioral traits.

One of the most noticeable differences is in the antlers. Caribou's antlers are typically tall, broad, and sometimes have a C-shaped appearance.

Both male and female caribou grow antlers, making them unique among deer species. Adult male caribou shed their antlers after the mating season, while female caribou may retain theirs through winter.

Elk's antlers are longer, with fewer branches but greater spread. Only male elk grow antlers, which are used to fight during the rut or mating season. These massive antlers are shed in early spring.

Elk are generally larger than caribou. A male elk, or bull, can weigh up to 1,100 pounds (500 kg), while caribou usually weigh around 400 pounds (181 kg). Elk have a dark brown body with a lighter rump and shaggy mane, while caribou are light brown with white patches and a more compact build.

The elk’s stature gives it a regal look, often associated with mountainous terrain, while caribou are built for endurance across snowy tundras.

Caribou live in northern regions like Alaska, northern Canada, and parts of northern Europe and northern China. They thrive in cold temperatures and boreal forests, where their cloven hooves help them move across deep snow.

Elk prefer mountainous areas in the western U.S., like the Rockies and New Mexico, as well as parts of Canada. American elk — particularly the Rocky Mountain elk — roam in large herds and graze in open meadows and forest edges.

Caribou are known for large-scale migrations, traveling hundreds of miles in herds in search of food. These animals eat lichen, moss, and other vegetation found in tundra environments. They are also good swimmers, crossing rivers and lakes during migration.

Elk are less migratory but still move seasonally for food and breeding. During mating season, male elk bugle to attract female elk and assert dominance. Elk herds are usually smaller and more stable than those of caribou.

Caribou are iconic in northern cultures and often associated with Santa Claus due to their reindeer identity in Europe. They’ve been hunted by Indigenous peoples for centuries and remain a food source in some northern communities.

Elk are a popular game animal in North America. Their impressive antlers, known as some of the largest antlers among deer species, are prized by hunters. Elk hunting is common in areas like the Rockies and is tightly regulated.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.