A moose is far bigger. A bull moose can weigh over 1,000 lb and stand about 6 ft at the shoulder. A bull caribou usually weighs 250 to 400 lb and stands about 4 ft tall.
That makes a moose two to four times heavier than a caribou. A full-grown moose is much larger than a caribou in overall size, with greater weight, height, and body length. In this guide, we compare moose vs caribou size, height, weight, and length to show exactly how these two large deer species differ.
Moose vs Caribou Size Chart
| Measurement | Moose | Caribou |
|---|---|---|
| Bull weight | 800–1,600 lb (360–725 kg) | 250–600 lb (115–270 kg) |
| Cow weight | 600–1,300 lb (270–590 kg) | 150–300 lb (70–135 kg) |
| Calf birth weight | 25–35 lb (11–16 kg) | 10–15 lb (4.5–7 kg) |
| Shoulder height | 5–6.5 ft (1.5–2 m) | 3–5 ft (0.9–1.5 m) |
| Body length | 7–10 ft (2.1–3 m) | 5–7 ft (1.5–2.1 m) |
| Antler spread | Up to 6 ft (1.8 m) | Roughly 3–4 ft (0.9–1.2 m) |
Which Is Bigger, a Moose or a Caribou?
The moose is bigger. It is the largest member of the deer family, called the Cervidae family. The National Wildlife Federation notes that a moose can reach about 1,800 lb, while caribou and elk stay near 3 to 5 ft at the shoulder.
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Moose vs Caribou Weight
Moose Weight by Sex and Subspecies
How much does a moose weigh? Most adult bulls weigh 800 to 1,600 lb. Cows weigh less, often 600 to 1,300 lb.
Location matters. The Alaska-Yukon moose is the biggest subspecies. Eastern moose in Maine and the Shiras moose of the Rockies tend to run lighter.
Bulls are also bigger than cows. Scientists call this sexual dimorphism. One study cited by A-Z Animals found bulls about 24% larger than cows.
Caribou Weight by Sex and Herd Type
How much does a caribou weigh? Most bulls fall between 250 and 400 lb. Big woodland caribou bulls can pass 500 lb. Cows usually weigh 150 to 300 lb.
Herd type changes the numbers:
- Woodland caribou: the heaviest and darkest.
- Barren-ground caribou: mid-sized, and they live on the open tundra.
- Peary caribou: the smallest, and they live on Arctic islands.
Reindeer are the same species as caribou. Domesticated reindeer are usually smaller.
Seasonal and Calf Weight Changes
Weight shifts through the year. Bull moose burn fat during the fall rut and enter winter leaner. Caribou do the opposite. They pack on fat in late summer to survive the cold months.
Calves start small. A moose calf is born at about 25 to 35 lb. A caribou calf weighs roughly 10 to 15 lb. Both grow fast on rich milk.
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Moose vs Caribou Height and Length
Shoulder Height: Moose vs Caribou
How tall is a moose compared to a caribou? A moose stands 5 to 6.5 ft at the shoulder. A caribou stands about 3 to 5 ft.
Height is measured at the withers, the ridge between the shoulder blades. A moose also has a big shoulder hump, so it looks even taller. A bull can look over the hood of a pickup truck.
Body Length and Build
How long is a moose? From nose to tail, most moose measure 7 to 10 ft. Caribou measure about 5 to 7 ft.
The builds are different, too:
- Moose: tall, long-legged, and heavy in the chest. The overhanging snout and the dewlap (the flap under the chin) add to its size.
- Caribou: compact, thick-furred, and made for cold, open ground.
Legs, Hooves and Track Size
Long legs help a moose wade through deep snow and swampy water. Its tracks are long and pointed, about 5 to 7 inches.
Caribou have wide, round hooves that spread like snowshoes. They also use them to dig for food under snow. That is why caribou can cross tundra and soft snow with ease.
Field tip: a narrow, pointed print points to a moose. A wide, rounded print points to a caribou.
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Moose vs Caribou Antler Size
Antler Shape and Spread
Moose antlers are palmate, which means flat and wide like an open hand. On big bulls they can span about 6 ft from tip to tip, according to the National Wildlife Federation.
Adult male caribou can grow antlers measuring roughly 3–4 feet (0.9–1.2 meters) across, although size varies by sex, age, and subspecies. Caribou antlers are branching and tall. Seen from the side, they curve into a “C” shape. They are lighter and more open than moose antlers.
Antler Weight and Who Grows Them
Moose antlers can weigh up to about 50 lb on large bulls. Only males grow them. Antlers can grow as much as an inch a day in summer, which makes them one of the fastest-growing tissues in animals.
Caribou are the odd ones out. Both males and females grow antlers, which is rare among deer. On big bulls, caribou antlers often weigh 10 to 20 lb.
Shedding times differ:
- Bull caribou: drop their antlers in November or December after mating.
- Cow caribou: often keep theirs until June.
- Bull moose: shed in winter, usually after the rut.
Antlers Relative to Body Size
Which has the bigger antlers, a moose or a caribou? The moose has bigger antlers in total size and weight.
Yet wildlife experts point out that caribou carry the largest antlers for their body size of any deer. That is a big load on a smaller frame.
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Moose Size Compared to Other Animals
Moose vs Elk Size
Is a moose bigger than an elk? Yes. Bull elk usually weigh about 600 to 800 lb and stand near 5 ft tall. A bull moose is heavier and taller, with longer legs and a bigger head.
Moose vs Bison Size
Moose vs bison is closer. A bull bison can reach about 2,000 lb, so it can outweigh a big moose. But both stand roughly 6 ft tall. The bison is built low and bulky, while the moose is built long and lanky.
Moose vs White-Tailed Deer Size
A typical buck white-tailed deer weighs 150 to 200 lb and stands about 3 ft at the shoulder. A bull moose is roughly five to seven times heavier. It is the most familiar comparison for many US readers.
Moose vs Grizzly Bear Size
Inland grizzlies often weigh 400 to 800 lb. A bull moose commonly outweighs them. Even so, both share range in Alaska and the northern Rockies, and a grizzly hunts moose calves in spring.
FAQ’s About Moose vs Caribou Size
How Tall Is a Moose Compared to a Caribou?
A moose stands about 5 to 6.5 ft at the shoulder. A caribou stands about 3 to 5 ft, so the moose is often 1 to 2 ft taller.
Can a Caribou Ever Be as Big as a Moose?
No. The biggest caribou bulls, near 600 lb, still weigh less than an average bull moose. Moose have far more bulk and reach.
Are Reindeer Smaller Than Caribou?
Reindeer and caribou are the same species. Domesticated reindeer are usually a bit smaller than wild woodland caribou.
Where Can I See Moose and Caribou in the USA?
Moose live in Alaska, northern New England, Minnesota, and the northern Rockies. Caribou are common only in Alaska and almost gone from the lower 48.
Hi, I’m Natalie Collins, the admin at MooseSizes.com. We simplify animal sizes, measurements, and wildlife comparisons with easy-to-follow guides, useful size charts, and accurate information to help you understand animal dimensions with confidence.
