Epic Battles: Grizzly Bear vs. Irish Elk

Grizzly bears are not typically hunters. Instead, they like to scavenge or forage for their meals most of the time. However, they are terrifying beasts when they do decide to attack prey. They can take down very large animals, including some moose. Yet, we have to wonder how they would take on extra-large fauna, like the extinct Irish elk. Today, we’re going to show you a grizzly bear vs Irish elk battle and prove which creature has the best chance of winning the battle. 

Comparing a Grizzly Bear and an Irish Elk

What Are The Key Differences Between a Grizzly Bear and an Irish Elk?

The most significant differences between a grizzly bear and an Irish elk are found in their size and predation styles. A grizzly bear is an opportunistic, somewhat cursorial predator that weighs between 400 and 700 pounds on average, but they can get as heavy as 1,000 to 1,200 pounds while standing 3 to 4 feet and growing between 7 and 10 feet at their longest. Meanwhile, Irish elk were herbivores that weighed north of 1,500 pounds and stood about 7 feet tall.

These massive differences between the creatures make them unique, and they will impact the fight. We need more information before determining which of them is most likely to win.

What Are the Key Factors in a Fight Between a Grizzly Bear and an Irish Elk?

The most significant factors in a battle between a grizzly bear and an elk are their size, speed, defenses, and attack methods. We are going to explore each of these facets in depth, showing you which creature has an advantage over the other. By the time we’ve finished, you’ll have a very good idea of which animal is going to win.

Grizzly Bear vs. Irish Elk: Size

An Irish elk is larger than a grizzly bear. The average Irish elk is believed to have weighed as much as 1,500 pounds, stood up to 7 feet tall at the shoulders, and grown up to 10 feet 6 inches long. They also had a rack of antlers that measures up to 12 feet wide.

Meanwhile, a grizzly bear averages about 400 to 700 pounds in weight, 7 to 10 pounds in length, and 3 to 4.5 feet in height at the shoulder. However, they can weigh over 1,000 pounds, up to 1,200 pounds. However, those sizes are very rare according to modern measures.

Irish elk have a size advantage over grizzly bears.

Grizzly Bear vs. Irish Elk: Speed

Irish elk were, surprisingly, faster than grizzly bears. Both animals are rather swift, though. A grizzly bear can run at speeds of up to 35 mph. Moreover, Irish elk can run at speeds of 50 mph. At least, that’s the estimated top speed for these creatures.

Irish elk are faster than grizzly bears.

Grizzly Bear vs. Irish Elk: Defenses

Irish elk had a fair number of defenses. They had large bodies that were powerfully built. Moreover, they have the speed required to outrun a lot of predators. Not only could they run at speeds of up to 50 mph, but they could also keep that speed for up to 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, grizzly bears are thickly built, powerful creatures that would be hard to bring down for the count. They have great physical defenses including a layer of fat that can be several inches thick under their thick hides. Grizzlies are also very fast, and they can usually outpace other animals in their range.

Grizzly bears have a defensive advantage over Irish Elks.  

Grizzly Bear vs. Irish Elk: Offensive Capabilities

Irish elk did not have much in the way of offensive capabilities. Yet, they could fend off some animals. They had antlers that measured about 12 feet across, making them capable of ramming into and knocking down other animals. Meanwhile, Irish elk could also deliver a very powerful kick strong enough to kill pursuers.

Meanwhile, grizzly bears have a variety of different weapons that they can use to kill prey. For one thing, they have a powerful bite, capable of delivering 975 PSI. Moreover, they have claws that measure between 3 and 5 inches in length that they can use to slash prey. They also use their massive paws to beat prey into submission. The combined mauling attack delivered by this bear integrates horrific bites to the back and neck, smacks, pinning, and clawing to kill their prey.

Grizzly bears have an advantage in offensive capabilities.

Grizzly Bear vs Irish Elk: Predatory Behavior

The Irish elk had no predatory behaviors. They were herbivores. Meanwhile, grizzly bears are more like part-time predators. They scavenge for meals or gather them. These bears are opportunists at heart, though. They track down prey when they can, chase them down, and kill them with a vicious assault.

Grizzly bears have an advantage in predatory behaviors.  

Who Would Win in a Fight Between a Grizzly Bear and an Irish Elk? 

A grizzly bear would win a fight against an Irish elk. Irish elk are larger than grizzly bears. However, they don’t have killer instincts. They would not be the ones to instigate the fight, and that’s what would let the grizzly bear win. The grizzly would go after the Irish elk, and the latter would flee.

Grizzly bears kill adult moose and even bison in the present day because they are strong, aggressive animals and their prey are not.

If the Irish elk decided to make a stand against the grizzly bear, it could potentially impale the bear on its massive antlers. Moreover, it could land a kick against the grizzly bear or knock it out with a charge. Most of the time, the elk is going to flee and not fight, though.

The more likely outcome in this fight is that the grizzly chases down the Irish elk. The Irish elk had a speed and stamina advantage, but grizzly bears catch faster deer with some frequency.

Like other taller animals, the grizzly bear would go for the back, sides, and undersides of the Irish elk. It would sap the elk’s strength, bring it to the ground, and tear it apart. A wayward kick or non-fatal stabbing by the antlers would not slow down the grizzly’s assault, but it would continue attacking until the fight has ended.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Volodymyr Burdiak/Shutterstock.com