Caribou vs Elk: HabitatĪnother difference between these two animals has to do with habitat. The lifespan of an elk is 8 to 12 years whereas a caribou’s lifespan ranges from 12 to 15 years. Normally, elk don’t live as long as caribou. The lifespan of these two mammals accounts for another difference between them. In terms of weight, an adult elk ranges from 650 to 850 pounds! An adult caribou weighs from 350 to 400 pounds. Alternatively, a caribou measures from 34 to 62 inches tall. Specifically, an adult elk can grow to a height ranging from 56 to 68 inches from its hooves to its withers. Caribou vs Elk: SizeĪn adult elk is taller and weighs more than an adult caribou. To truly compare and contrast these two animals, here are a few of the key differences that separate them. The 8 Key Differences Between Caribou and Elk They are long and tall antlers with several points.
Male and female caribou have antlers their antlers are C-shaped. Their coat can be red or gray paired with an area of white hair on their rump. Larger species have a light to dark brown coat while smaller species can have white fur. They are sometimes called wapiti, and there are six subspecies of elk in North America. They are known as reindeer in Europe, and there are seven subspecies of caribou. They live in North America, Greenland, Asia, and Europe.įorests and meadows in North America, Argentina, New Zealand, Australia, and eastern Asia Alternatively, elk live in forests and meadows in North America, eastern Asia, and elsewhere in the world.Ĭheck out some more information about the significant differences between these two members of the Cervidae family! Comparing Caribou vs Elkīoreal forests and on the Arctic tundra. Caribou are found in boreal forests and on the Arctic tundra. When it comes to antlers, only male elk have them whereas antlers are found on both female and male caribou.īoth mammals have dense coats of fur that help them withstand cold temperatures.
However, an adult elk is taller and weighs more than an adult caribou. Elk and caribou are both members of the deer family and are herbivores. While elk and caribou share many similarities there are several differences between these two mammals. Meet Every Dinosaur Featured in Jurassic World…