Elk vs. Caribou — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 19, 2023
Elk are large deer found primarily in North America, while caribou, also called reindeer in Europe, inhabit Arctic and subarctic regions. Both are members of the deer family but have different habitats and characteristics.
Difference Between Elk and Caribou
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Key Differences
Elk and caribou are both ungulates, belonging to the deer family, Cervidae. However, elk predominantly reside in the mountainous terrains and forests of North America, extending to eastern Asia. In contrast, caribou inhabit the tundras of the Arctic and subarctic regions across North America and Eurasia.
The physical appearance of elk and caribou presents distinct differences. Elk often showcase a tan to dark brown coat, becoming darker during winters, with a pronounced mane around their neck. Caribou, conversely, wear a typically brown or grayish coat with a white neck, rump, and legs, facilitating their camouflage against snowy landscapes.
Another notable distinction arises in their antlers. Male elk sport impressive, large branching antlers, while both male and female caribou possess antlers, with the males having larger and more complex structures than females.
In terms of behavior and lifestyle, elk tend to form separate male and female herds for most of the year, only coming together during mating season. Caribou, on the other hand, are known for their long migrations, often traveling great distances in mixed-gender groups in search of food.
Elk primarily graze on grasses, shrubs, and young tree shoots. Caribou, due to their Arctic habitation, feed largely on lichens in winter, known as reindeer moss, and switch to a more varied diet of leaves and grasses in the warmer months.
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Comparison Chart
Habitat
Mountainous terrains & forests
Arctic and subarctic tundras
Physical Appearance
Tan to dark brown, mane around neck
Brown/gray with white neck, rump, and legs
Antlers
Mostly males, large branching
Both genders; males have larger structures
Behavior
Separate gender herds; come together for mating
Long migrations; mixed-gender groups
Diet
Grasses, shrubs, young tree shoots
Lichens in winter; leaves, grasses in warmer months
Compare with Definitions
Elk
A large North American deer with branching antlers.
The elk stood majestically at the edge of the forest.
Caribou
A large deer found in Arctic and subarctic regions.
The caribou migrated across the tundra in search of food.
Elk
A member of the Cervidae family native to cooler regions.
Hunters often seek elk for their impressive antlers.
Caribou
A member of the deer family where both sexes have antlers.
Female caribou use their antlers to dig through snow for food.
Elk
A herbivorous mammal found in North America and parts of Asia.
The elk population in this national park has been steadily increasing.
Caribou
A migratory ungulate, traveling vast distances seasonally.
The annual caribou migration is one of nature's remarkable journeys.
Elk
A ruminant animal with a distinctive mane and large antlers.
The sight of an elk in the wild is truly captivating.
Caribou
Known as reindeer in Europe, it's vital to indigenous Arctic cultures.
Sami people have herded caribou for centuries.
Elk
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).
Caribou
An animal adapted to cold environments with a thick coat.
Caribou fur provides insulation against harsh Arctic winters.
Elk
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.
Caribou
A large deer (Rangifer tarandus) of the Arctic tundra and northern boreal forests, having large hooves and long branched antlers. Subspecies native to Eurasia are usually called reindeer.
Elk
Chiefly British The moose.
Caribou
Any of several North American subspecies of the reindeer, Rangifer tarandus.
Elk
A light, pliant leather of horsehide or calfskin, tanned and finished to resemble elk hide.
Caribou
The American reindeer, especially the common or woodland species (Rangifer Caribou).
Elk
Any of various large species of deer such as the red deer, moose or wapiti (see usage notes).
Caribou
Arctic deer with large antlers in both sexes; called reindeer in Eurasia and caribou in North America
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.
Elk
Any moose (Alces alces), the largest member of the deer family.
Elk
(North America) common wapiti (Cervus canadensis), the second largest member of the deer family, once thought to be a subspecies of red deer.
Elk
(British India) Sambar (Cervus unicolor).
Elk
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.
Elk
The European wild or whistling swan (Cygnus ferus).
Elk
A member of the fraternal organization named Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, supporting various services to their communities.
Elk
Large northern deer with enormous flattened antlers in the male; called elk in Europe and moose in North America
Elk
An ungulate known for its size and unique vocalizations.
During the rut, male elk emit bugling calls.
Common Curiosities
Do female elk have antlers?
Typically, only male elk have antlers.
Where are elk primarily found?
Elk are primarily found in the mountainous terrains and forests of North America and parts of eastern Asia.
What's another name for caribou in Europe?
In Europe, caribou are commonly referred to as reindeer.
Is the elk population increasing or decreasing?
The elk population varies by region, but in some areas, conservation efforts have helped increase numbers.
Do caribou have a significance in any culture?
Yes, caribou (or reindeer) hold cultural significance, especially among the Sami people in the Arctic.
Which animal migrates longer distances?
Caribou are known for their long migrations across the Arctic and subarctic.
What do elk predominantly eat?
Elk mainly graze on grasses, shrubs, and young tree shoots.
Why do caribou eat lichens in the winter?
Lichens are available and provide essential nutrients for caribou during harsh Arctic winters.
Why do caribou have a white neck and legs?
The white fur on caribou aids in camouflage against snowy backgrounds.
Are elk and caribou the same species?
No, while both are deer, elk and caribou are distinct species with different habitats and characteristics.
Are caribou domesticated anywhere?
Yes, in some regions like Scandinavia, caribou (reindeer) are domesticated.
How do elk communicate during mating season?
Male elk use bugling calls to communicate and attract females during the rut.
Are there subspecies of elk?
Yes, there are various subspecies of elk, such as the Rocky Mountain elk and Roosevelt elk.
Can caribou swim?
Yes, caribou are strong swimmers and can cross wide rivers during migrations.
How large can elk antlers grow?
Elk antlers can span up to 4 feet or more.
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Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
