Elk vs. Ibex — What's the Difference?

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).

An ibex (plural ibex, ibexes or ibices) is any of several species of wild mountain goat (genus Capra), distinguished by the male's large recurved horns, which are transversely ridged in front. Ibex are found in Eurasia, North Africa, and East Africa.

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.

Any of several wild goats of the genus Capra, especially C. ibex, native to mountainous regions of Eurasia and northern Africa, and having long, ridged, backward-curving horns.

Chiefly British The moose.

A type of wild mountain goat of the genus Capra, such as the species Capra ibex.

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

(heraldry) An imaginary creature with serrated horns, somewhat similar to the heraldic antelope.

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

One of several species of wild goats having very large, recurved horns, transversely ridged in front; - called also steinbok.

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.

Wild goat of mountain areas of Eurasia and northern Africa having large recurved horns

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

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

(British India) Sambar (Cervus unicolor).

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.

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