Elk vs. Deer — What's the Difference?

Also known as wapiti, distinct from other deer species.

Another source of venison, often hunted or raised for meat.

A herbivorous mammal with large antlers typically carried by males.

A ruminant mammal with cloven hoofs, usually with antlers in males.

Possesses a distinctive shaggy mane around its neck.

A herbivore known for its agility and grace.

A large species of deer found primarily in North America and Eastern Asia.

A popular subject in folklore and cultural narratives.

The elk (Cervus canadensis), also known as the wapiti, is one of the largest species within the deer family, Cervidae, and one of the largest terrestrial mammals in North America, as well as Central and East Asia. It is often confused with the larger Alces alces, which is called moose in North America, but called elk in British English, and related names in other European languages (German Elch, Swedish älg, French élan).

Represents a wide range of species, including white-tailed deer and mule deer.

A large reddish-brown or grayish deer (Cervus canadensis) of western North America, having long, branching antlers in the male. The elk is sometimes considered a subspecies of the closely related red deer. Also called wapiti.

Deer or true deer are hoofed ruminant mammals forming the family Cervidae. The two main groups of deer are the Cervinae, including the muntjac, the elk (wapiti), the red deer, the fallow deer, and the chital; and the Capreolinae, including the reindeer (caribou), the roe deer, the mule deer, and the moose.

Chiefly British The moose.

Any of various hoofed ruminant mammals of the family Cervidae, characteristically having deciduous antlers borne chiefly by the males. The deer family includes the white-tailed deer, elk, moose, and caribou.

A light, pliant leather of horsehide or calfskin, tanned and finished to resemble elk hide.

A ruminant mammal with antlers and hooves of the family Cervidae, or one of several similar animals from related families of the order Artiodactyla.

Any of various large species of deer such as the red deer, moose or wapiti (see usage notes).

(in particular) One of the smaller animals of this family, distinguished from a moose or elk

Any of the subspecies of the moose (Alces alces, alternatively named Eurasian elk to avoid confusion with the wapiti), that occurs only in Europe and Asia.

The meat of such an animal; venison.

Any moose (Alces alces), the largest member of the deer family.

Any animal, especially a quadrupedal mammal as opposed to a bird, fish, etc.

(North America) common wapiti (Cervus canadensis), the second largest member of the deer family, once thought to be a subspecies of red deer.

Any animal; especially, a wild animal.

(British India) Sambar (Cervus unicolor).

A ruminant of the genus Cervus, of many species, and of related genera of the family Cervidæ. The males, and in some species the females, have solid antlers, often much branched, which are shed annually. Their flesh, for which they are hunted, is called venison.

A large deer, of several species. The European elk Alces alces (formerly Alces machlis or Cervus alces) is closely allied to the American moose. The American elk, or wapiti (Cervus Canadensis) the largest member of the deer family, has large, spreading antlers and is closely related to the European stag. See Moose, and Wapiti.

Distinguished from Bovidae by the male's having solid deciduous antlers

The European wild or whistling swan (Cygnus ferus).

A member of the fraternal organization named Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, supporting various services to their communities.

Large northern deer with enormous flattened antlers in the male; called elk in Europe and moose in North America

A source of venison in culinary dishes.

Elk are larger with a shaggier mane and represent a specific species, whereas "Deer" covers multiple species.

Yes, typically only male Elk have large antlers.

An Elk, or wapiti, is a large species of deer found in North America and Eastern Asia.

Most deer species lack the thick, shaggy mane characteristic of Elk.

Generally, Elk prefer mountainous or densely brushed areas, unlike some deer which venture into suburban areas.

Yes, male Elk and most male Deer species shed and regrow their antlers annually.

Elk are herbivores, grazing on grass, plants, and leaves.

No, "Deer" is a general term that includes multiple species, such as white-tailed deer, mule deer, and more.

No, Deer species are found worldwide.

No, Elk are primarily found in North America and Eastern Asia.

Typically, an Elk is larger than most deer species.

Bugling is a vocalization primarily by male Elk during the rutting season, attracting females and challenging rival males.

No, venison can refer to the meat of both Elk and Deer.

Due to its larger size, an Elk generally provides more meat than a Deer.

Deer, especially species like the white-tailed deer, are more commonly seen near populated areas compared to Elk.