Are you curious to know How Tall Are Moose Compared To Humans? This comprehensive guide on COMPARE.EDU.VN explores the impressive size of moose, comparing them to humans and other animals, and providing fascinating facts about these majestic creatures. Learn about the different subspecies and their unique characteristics to truly understand the scale of these incredible animals, and discover the size differentials.
1. Moose Size Comparison by Subspecies
Moose are among the largest land animals in North America, and their size can vary significantly depending on the subspecies. The four main subspecies found in North America are the Alaska moose, Northwestern moose, Eastern moose, and Shiras moose. Each of these subspecies has unique characteristics and sizes, making them fascinating subjects for comparison. Moose are typically found in colder northern climates.
1.1 Alaska Moose (Alces alces gigas)
The Alaska moose, also known as the Yukon moose, is the largest of all moose subspecies. These giants inhabit the boreal and mixed deciduous forests of Alaska and Western Yukon, primarily feeding on forbs, willow, and birch shoots. Mature bulls typically stand just under 7 feet at the shoulder and weigh between 1,200 and 1,600 pounds. Females can weigh over 1,000 pounds.
The antlers of Alaska moose are particularly impressive. The largest bull on record, according to Safari Club International (SCI), was taken in September 1999 near Cordova, Alaska. It weighed 1,800 pounds and had a 74 2/8-inch spread, with 39 total points, scoring 731 ⅛ inches on the SCI scale. For context, the average whitetail doe is about 71 inches long, which means it could comfortably fit within the antlers of this massive moose. The biggest 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 in 2010.
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. They have also been introduced to New Zealand. As the second-largest moose subspecies in North America, Northwestern moose can measure over 6½ feet at the shoulder and weigh nearly 1,600 pounds. These moose consume approximately 10,000 calories per day, which is equivalent to about 70 pounds of vegetation.
Doug Rehbein captured the largest Northwestern moose in the SCI record books in 1998 in the Cassiar Mountains of British Columbia. This bull scored 557 inches with a 64-2/8-inch outside spread. Interestingly, it had only 12 points on one antler and 10 on the other.
1.3 Eastern Moose (Alces alces americana)
The Eastern moose is commonly 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 challenging. For those on a budget, Newfoundland and other parts of eastern Canada offer over-the-counter tags.
Jeremy Boileau shot the largest eastern moose in the SCI books in 2011. This massive animal scored 666 3/8 inches and had 20 points on each antler. Boileau harvested the bull in Quebec, Canada, using a rifle, and it surpassed the next largest eastern moose by 175 inches.
1.4 Shiras Moose (Alces alces shirasi)
The Shiras moose occupies the southernmost regions of moose habitat in North America, inhabiting the Rocky Mountains of the western U.S. and Canada. While they are the smallest moose in North America, they are still quite large. Shiras bulls can 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. John M. Oakley took the B&C record Shiras in 1952 in Green River Lake, Wyoming, using a .270 rifle. It scored 205 4/8 points on the B&C scale.
2. How Big Are Moose Compared to Other Animals?
Understanding the size of moose becomes clearer when comparing them to other animals. From the largest land mammal, the elephant, to other common North American wildlife, moose hold their own in terms of size and mass.
2.1 Compared to an Elephant
An average bull Alaska moose stands nearly 7 feet tall and weighs around 1,600 pounds. However, the African elephant, the largest land animal, dwarfs even the biggest moose. Elephants can grow up to 13 feet tall and weigh between 5,000 and 14,000 pounds.
2.2 Compared to Bison
Bison may not be as tall as moose, but they can be heavier. However, the weight difference isn’t significant, especially when considering the record-breaking Alaska moose that 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 can weigh just over 1,000 pounds with a shoulder height of around 5 feet. This is roughly the same size as a female Alaska moose. Even a bull Shiras moose is typically 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, a man from New Brunswick named John Connell famously saddled and regularly rode a moose in the early 1900s. The largest horse ever recorded was an English shire gelding named Sampson. Born in Bedfordshire, U.K., in 1846, Sampson weighed a massive 3,359 pounds and stood 7 ft 2.5 inches tall at the shoulder, making him slightly shorter than the largest Alaska bull moose on record.
3. Moose vs. Human Size Comparison
When comparing moose to humans, the size difference is striking. Understanding these dimensions provides insight into how these animals interact with their environment and the challenges they face.
3.1 Height and Weight
The tallest human ever recorded, Robert Pershing Wadlow, stood at 8 feet 11 inches, surpassing the tallest moose ever recorded, which was 7 feet 7 inches tall. However, the average bull moose is taller than the average human by about a foot. In terms of weight, the heaviest moose on record outweighed the heaviest human (Jon Brower Minnoch, who weighed approximately 1,400 pounds at one point) by about 400 pounds.
3.2 Growth Rate
At birth, Alaska moose calves weigh around 28 pounds, which is about the same as a 3-year-old child. After birth, moose calves grow rapidly, gaining about 2 pounds per day initially and later increasing to 5 pounds per day. In contrast, the average human child gains about 5 pounds per year between the ages of 2 and 5.
4. Five Cool Facts About Moose
Moose are fascinating creatures with unique adaptations and behaviors. Here are five interesting facts that highlight their remarkable characteristics.
4.1 Antler Growth
Moose antlers are among the fastest-growing animal tissues on Earth. Like other deer species, moose shed their antlers annually. However, what sets them apart is the speed at which their antlers grow back. Moose can add up to a pound of bone per day, accumulating up to 80 pounds of antler mass over a single summer.
4.2 Human Injuries
Surprisingly, moose injure more people than bears do. This isn’t because moose are inherently aggressive, but rather due to their large size and territorial nature. Additionally, moose are more abundant than bears in many regions. In Alaska, for example, moose injure an average of five to 10 people each year, surpassing the number of injuries caused by both grizzly and black bear attacks combined.
4.3 Largest Deer Species
It’s worth reiterating that moose are the largest deer species in the world. To equal the weight of one bull moose, you would need approximately 53 South American pudus, the smallest deer species. On average, moose weigh about 10 times more than the average whitetail deer, making them a substantial source of venison.
4.4 Calf Speed
Moose calves grow up quickly in the wild, where they face numerous predators. Just five days after birth, a moose calf can outrun a human, exceeding the average human top speed of 8 miles per hour. Adult moose can charge at speeds of around 35 mph for short distances. This is faster than the speed limit in New York City and quicker than Usain Bolt’s average pace when he set the 100-meter dash world record.
4.5 Poor Eyesight
Moose have relatively poor eyesight, but they compensate with exceptional senses of smell and hearing. Researchers have discovered that moose can differentiate smells and determine their direction using their large nostrils and sensitive nasal cavities. Scientists also believe that the dish-shaped antlers of moose help amplify the sounds of calling females, aiding solitary bulls in locating mates during the mating season.
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
5.1 How tall is the average moose?
The average bull moose stands about 6 to 7 feet tall at the shoulder, depending on the subspecies.
5.2 How much does a moose typically weigh?
Moose can weigh between 800 and 1,600 pounds, depending on the subspecies and individual.
5.3 Which moose subspecies is the largest?
The Alaska moose (Alces alces gigas) is the largest moose subspecies.
5.4 Can a moose outrun a human?
Yes, both moose calves and adults can outrun humans. Calves can run faster than the average human top speed just days after birth, and adults can charge at around 35 mph.
5.5 Are moose dangerous to humans?
Moose can be dangerous if they feel threatened or territorial. They injure more people than bears in some regions.
5.6 What do moose eat?
Moose primarily eat forbs, willow, and birch shoots.
5.7 How fast do moose antlers grow?
Moose antlers are among the fastest-growing animal tissues, growing up to a pound per day.
5.8 Where do moose live?
Moose are typically found in colder northern climates, such as Alaska, Canada, and parts of the northern United States.
5.9 How do moose compensate for poor eyesight?
Moose have excellent senses of smell and hearing to compensate for their poor eyesight.
5.10 What is the lifespan of a moose?
Moose typically live for 15 to 25 years in the wild.
6. Conclusion: Discover More at COMPARE.EDU.VN
Understanding how tall are moose compared to humans provides a fascinating perspective on the scale of these magnificent animals. From their impressive size to their unique adaptations, moose continue to captivate and intrigue.
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