On average, elk grow much larger than common deer species such as white-tailed deer, red deer, roe deer, and mule deer.
Overall, elk prefer to live in forested, mountainous regions, although they tend to shun denser forests for more open wooded places. Meanwhile, deer live in more varied habitats, including deserts, plains, grasslands, woodlands, and the tundra.
When considering elk and deer of the same age, elk antlers are larger. Mature elk antlers can weigh up to 20 pounds each, and reach up to 4 feet long. At all ages, deer antlers measure smaller than elk antlers.
Generally, the coats of elk grow thicker and longer than deer. Meanwhile, deer come in a range of colors from brown to red to beige.