How Big Are Mooses Compared To Humans? Moose size compared to humans is a captivating question for many, and at COMPARE.EDU.VN, we provide an extensive comparison. Exploring moose dimensions, weight, and other intriguing facts helps you understand their scale compared to humans and other animals. Uncover detailed insights and comparisons, including dimensions, subspecies variations, and engaging facts about these magnificent creatures, enhancing your knowledge base with us.
1. Moose Size Comparison by Subspecies
You can hunt all four subspecies of moose in North America. Their ranges span from the Northeast to the Rockies and north through Canada and Alaska. There are also four subspecies of moose generally referred to as “elk” in Europe, but we’ll just cover North American moose here. Moose all over the globe are generally found in colder northern climates.
1.1 Alaska Moose (Alces alces gigas)
The Alaska moose, also known as the Yukon moose in Canada, is the largest moose subspecies in the world. These moose inhabit boreal and mixed deciduous forests throughout most of Alaska and the Western Yukon, primarily feeding on forbs and willow and birch shoots. Male Alaska moose typically stand just under 7 feet at the shoulder and weigh between 1,200 and 1,600 pounds. Females can exceed 1,000 pounds.
The antlers of Alaska moose are equally impressive. According to Safari Club International (SCI) records, the largest bull was taken in September 1999 by Debra Card near Cordova, Alaska, weighing an incredible 1,800 pounds. Its antlers had a 74 2/8-inch spread, 39 total points, and scored 731 ⅛ inches on the SCI scale. The average whitetail doe, at 71 inches long, could fit comfortably within these antlers.
The largest Alaska moose in the Boone & Crockett (B&C) books came from the Lower Yukon River in Alaska. Rex J. Nick shot the 266-4/8-inch B&C bull with a 300 Win Mag in 2010, breaking the previous record by 2-7/8 points.
1.2 Northwestern Moose (Alces alces andersoni)
The Northwestern moose, also known as the Western moose, resides in the boreal forests of western Canada and parts of Minnesota, Michigan, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. It has also been introduced to New Zealand. As the second-largest moose subspecies in North America, it can measure over 6½ feet at the shoulder and weigh nearly 1,600 pounds. These moose consume almost 10,000 calories per day, which equates to around 70 pounds of vegetation.
The largest Northwestern moose in the SCI record books was taken in 1998 by Doug Rehbein in the Cassiar Mountains of British Columbia. The bull scored 557 inches with a 64-2/8-inch outside spread, featuring 12 points on one antler and 10 on the other.
1.3 Eastern Moose (Alces alces americana)
Eastern moose are found in Maine, New York, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Nova Scotia, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland. Large eastern bulls can weigh up to 1,400 pounds and stand 6 feet at the shoulder. Hunting tags are available in the continental U.S., but the drawing odds can be competitive. Hunters on a budget can find over-the-counter tags in Newfoundland and other parts of eastern Canada.
The biggest eastern moose in the SCI books was shot in 2011 by Jeremy Boileau in Quebec, Canada. The bull scored 666 3/8 inches and sported 20 points on each antler, beating the next biggest eastern moose by 175 inches.
1.4 Shiras Moose (Alces alces shirasi)
Shiras moose inhabit the southernmost part of moose country in North America, residing in the Rocky Mountains of the western U.S. and Canada. As the smallest moose in North America, Shiras bulls can still weigh up to 1,200 pounds and stand 6 feet at the shoulder.
Jim Hall set the SCI record for the largest Shiras moose with a bull taken in Washington in 2018. It weighed between 650 and 700 pounds and scored 504 7/8 inches. The B&C record Shiras was taken by John M. Oakley in Green River Lake, Wyoming, in 1952, scoring 205 4/8 points on the B&C scale.
2. How Big Are Moose Compared to Other Animals?
To truly understand “how big are mooses compared to humans”, it’s helpful to compare them to other animals. Here are a few examples, ranging from elephants to horses.
2.1 Compared to an Elephant
An average bull Alaska moose, standing nearly 7 feet tall and weighing 1,600 pounds, is significantly smaller than the African elephant. African elephants can grow up to 13 feet tall and weigh from 5,000 to 14,000 pounds.
2.2 Compared to Bison
While bison don’t grow as tall as moose, they can be heavier. However, the weight difference isn’t substantial, especially when considering the record Alaska moose weighed 1,800 pounds. Bison can grow to around 2,000 pounds and stand 6 feet at the shoulder.
2.3 Compared to Elk
Bull moose are considerably larger than bull elk. A large elk might weigh just over 1,000 pounds with a shoulder height of around 5 feet, which is comparable to a female Alaska moose. Even a bull Shiras moose is larger than a bull elk.
2.4 Compared to a Horse
The average quarter horse is about the size of a bull Shiras moose, weighing around 1,200 pounds. Interestingly, in the early 1900s, a man named John Connell from New Brunswick saddled and regularly rode a moose. The largest horse ever, an English shire gelding named Sampson, weighed a whopping 3,359 pounds and stood 7 ft 2.5 inches tall at the shoulder, slightly shorter than the largest Alaska bull moose on record.
3. Moose vs. Human Size Comparison
Understanding the comparison of moose size compared to humans helps appreciate their physical stature.
Regarding height, the tallest human ever, Robert Pershing Wadlow, stood 8 feet 11 inches, surpassing the tallest moose ever recorded at 7 foot 7 inches. However, the average bull moose is about a foot taller than the average human being. In terms of weight, the heaviest moose on record, at approximately 1,800 pounds, outweighs the heaviest human, Jon Brower Minnoch, who weighed around 1,400 pounds at his peak.
Newborn Alaska moose weigh about 28 pounds, similar to a 3-year-old child. After birth, moose gain weight rapidly, starting with 2 pounds per day and increasing to 5 pounds per day. In comparison, the average human child gains about 5 pounds per year between the ages of 2 and 5.
To summarize, here’s a quick comparison in table format:
| Feature | Average Human | Average Bull Moose (Alaska) |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 5-6 feet | 6-7 feet |
| Weight | 150-200 pounds | 1,200-1,600 pounds |
| Newborn Weight | ~7 pounds | ~28 pounds |
| Daily Weight Gain | ~5 pounds per year (age 2-5) | 2-5 pounds per day |
4. Five Intriguing Facts About Moose
To enhance your knowledge, here are five fascinating facts about moose, extending from their rapid antler growth to their sensory capabilities:
4.1 Moose Antlers Are Among the Fastest-Growing Animal Tissues on Earth.
Like other deer, moose shed their antlers annually. What’s truly remarkable is how quickly they regrow. Moose can add up to a pound of bone per day, accumulating up to 80 pounds of antler over a single summer.
4.2 Moose Injure More People Than Bears Do.
While not intentionally aggressive, moose can be territorial due to their large size. In Alaska, moose injure five to ten people annually, surpassing injuries from both grizzly and black bear attacks combined. This is partly because there are more moose than bears in the wild.
4.3 They Are the Biggest of All Deer.
Moose are the largest deer species. It would take 53 South American pudus—the smallest deer—to equal the weight of one bull moose. On average, moose weigh about ten times more than the average whitetail deer.
4.4 A Five-Day-Old Moose Calf Can Outrun a Human.
Moose calves grow rapidly to survive in the wild, where numerous predators threaten them. Within five days of birth, a moose calf can run faster than the average human top speed of 8 miles per hour. Adult moose can charge at around 35 mph for short distances, surpassing the speed limit in New York City and Usain Bolt’s average pace when he set the 100-meter dash world record.
4.5 They Have Terrible Eyesight.
Moose have poor eyesight but compensate with exceptional senses of smell and hearing. Researchers have found that moose can differentiate smells and determine their direction with their large nostrils and sensitive nasal cavities. Scientists also believe that their dish-shaped antlers amplify the sounds of calling females, aiding solitary bulls during mating season.
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Moose Size Compared to Humans
Here are some frequently asked questions to deepen your understanding of moose size compared to humans:
-
How tall is the average moose compared to a human?
The average bull moose stands about 6-7 feet tall at the shoulder, which is roughly a foot taller than the average human. -
How much does a moose weigh compared to a human?
Moose can weigh between 1,200 to 1,600 pounds, significantly more than the average human weight of 150-200 pounds. -
Which is the largest subspecies of moose?
The Alaska moose (Alces alces gigas) is the largest subspecies of moose in North America. -
Can a moose outrun a human?
Yes, even a five-day-old moose calf can outrun a human. Adult moose can charge at speeds up to 35 mph. -
How do moose compensate for their poor eyesight?
Moose have excellent senses of smell and hearing, which they use to compensate for their poor vision. -
Are moose antlers bone or horn?
Moose antlers are made of bone and are shed annually, growing back each year. -
How quickly do moose antlers grow?
Moose antlers can grow very quickly, adding up to a pound of bone per day during the summer. -
What do moose eat?
Moose primarily eat forbs, willow, and birch shoots. -
Where do Shiras moose live?
Shiras moose live in the Rocky Mountains of the western U.S. and Canada. -
Why do moose injure more people than bears in some areas?
Moose are more numerous than bears in certain regions, and their large size and territorial behavior can lead to accidental injuries.
6. Conclusion: Discover More at COMPARE.EDU.VN
Understanding the scale and size of moose, particularly how big are mooses compared to humans, offers valuable insights into these remarkable creatures. With their impressive height, weight, and fascinating adaptations, moose are truly magnificent animals. If you’re seeking comprehensive and objective comparisons to make informed decisions, COMPARE.EDU.VN is your go-to resource.
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