The Largest Moose in the World

Moose (Alces alces) are the largest extant species in the deer family. They are also the tallest and second-largest mammals in North America. With antlers that can span more than six feet, moose are certainly an impressive sight. Continue reading to learn more about moose and discover just how big the largest moose ever recorded was.

Moose Characteristics

Moose typically have a shoulder height of 5 to 6.5 feet and weigh between 800 and 1,500 pounds, though larger individuals have been recorded. Since moose are measured at the shoulder, it is no surprise that they are the tallest mammals in North America.

Moose are typically dark brown and have long, broad faces and large muzzles. They often use their large noses and upper lips to strip leaves off branches. They have large dewlaps, flaps of skin that hang beneath their chins.

Moose have two layers of fur to keep warm in sub-zero temperatures. The bottom layer is soft and woolly, while the top layer is comprised of long guard hairs. These hollow hairs are filled with air, providing insulation and helping moose stay afloat while swimming.

The Largest And Smallest Moose Subspecies

There are four recognized subspecies of moose in North America: Eastern (Alces alces americana), Western (Alces alces andersoni), Alaskan (Alces alces gigas), and Shiras’ (Alces alces shirasi). The primary differences between these subspecies are their size and geographic range. Shiras’ moose is the smallest subspecies, while the Alaskan is the largest.

Shiras’ moose are found in British Columbia, Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, and Idaho. The Eastern moose is found across Eastern Canada, New England, and New York, while the Western moose inhabits Western Canada and the Western United States. The Alaskan moose is found in Alaska and Western Yukon.

The Largest Moose Ever Recorded

The largest moose ever recorded was an Alaskan moose that weighed 1,808 pounds. The giant was killed in Yukon in September 1897 and had a shoulder height of 7.6 feet. That easily made it a record breaker, according to Guinness World Records. This moose was so large that, even 118 years later, no other moose has surpassed its impressive size.

The Largest Moose Antlers on Record

Male moose have broad, parabolic antlers that can be more than six feet wide. The size of their antlers is determined by age and diet. Symmetrical antlers mean the moose is in good health. The diameter of the antler beam is a better indicator of a moose’s age than the number of tines. The symmetry of antlers usually declines after the age of 13. Male moose use their antlers to spar and fight when competing for females. While antler size can influence mate selection, female moose consider several factors, including dominance displays and overall health.

According to Guinness World Records, the largest moose antlers were 80.6 inches. They were taken by a hunter in Alaska in 1958. They note that the moose itself was not especially large, weighing approximately 1,400 pounds, but its antlers alone weighed 60 pounds.