Reindeer vs Elk – What are the Differences?

Reindeer and elk, both members of the deer family, exhibit notable differences.

Reindeer, typically associated with Arctic regions, are smaller and can reach heights of about 4.9 ft at the shoulder. In contrast, elk, predominantly found in North America and parts of East Asia, can stand tall at 5 ft to 5.3 ft. Both male and female reindeer boast antlers, a feature unique to them, while only male elk typically have antlers.

And speaking of behavior, did you know reindeer are renowned for their long migrations and tend to be more social, often found in larger herds? Elk, however, are less migratory, usually forming smaller groups or herds.

Intrigues yet? Dive deeper to explore the enthralling distinctions between the reindeer and the elk! Trust us; this journey is a trove of revelations you won’t want to miss!

Reindeer vs Elk – A Quick Comparison

Feature	Reindeer	Elk
Scientific Name	Rangifer tarandus	Cervus canadensis
Body Shape	Stocky with relatively shorter legs	Larger, more elongated body with longer legs
Size	4 ft tall at the shoulder	About 4.9 ft tall at the shoulder
Diet	Lichens, mosses, shrubs, ferns, and grasses	Grasses, plants, leaves, and bark, especially in winter
Habitat	Tundras, forests, and mountain regions in the Arctic	Forests, grasslands, and parklands of North America and East Asia
Social Behavior	Highly social, often found in larger migratory herds	Less migratory, usually form smaller groups or herds
Lifespan	Typically 10 to 15 years, though they can live longer in captivity	10 to 13 years in the wild, longer in captivity
Gestation Period	Around 230 days	Roughly 240 to 262 days
IUCN Status	Vulnerable	Least Concern

Reindeer vs Elk – What Are the Key Differences?

Reindeer and elk are both part of the same family and live in different parts of the Northern Hemisphere. They both have big antlers and are used to living in tough places with extreme weather. They mainly eat plants.

Even though they look somewhat similar, and some people might mix them up, they are actually quite different in many ways. Let’s dive deeper and learn more about these differences between reindeer and elk.

1.  Taxonomy and Scientific Classification

Both reindeer and elk are iconic members of the deer family, Cervidae. However, they differ at the subfamily and genus levels.

Reindeer

Reindeer, scientifically known as Rangifer tarandus, belong to the subfamily Capreolinae. They are cold-adapted deer recognized for their thick fur and majestic antlers, which both males and females exhibit.

Several subspecies of reindeer include:

• Barren-ground Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus granti)
• Tundra Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus sibiricus)
• Forest Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus fennicus)
• Mountain Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus)
• Woodland Caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou)
• Peary Caribou (Rangifer tarandus pearyi)
• Greenland Caribou (Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus)
• Svalbard Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus)

Elk

Elk is another member of the deer family, known scientifically as Cervus Canadensis. It belongs to the sub-family Cervinae. It is known as ‘wapiti’ by Native American tribes, which means “light-colored deer.” In Europe, interestingly, “elk” refers to what North Americans call “moose.”

Notable subspecies of elk include:

• Rocky Mountain Elk (Cervus canadensis nelsoni)
• Roosevelt’s Elk (Cervus canadensis roosevelti)
• Tule Elk (Cervus canadensis nannodes)
• Manitoban Elk (Cervus canadensis manitobensis)
• Alashan Wapiti (Cervus canadensis alashanicus)
• Altai Wapiti (Cervus canadensis sibiricus)

Taxonomic Level	Reindeer	Elk
Kingdom	Animalia	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata	Chordata
Class	Mammalia	Mammalia
Order	Artiodactyla	Artiodactyla
Family	Cervidae	Cervidae
Subfamily	Capreolinae	Cervinae
Genus	Rangifer	Cervus
Species	R. tarandus	C. canadensis

2. Habitat and Distribution

Both have adapted to unique environments and are distributed across distinct geographies.

Reindeer

Reindeer are specially adapted to cold environments. Their habitat spreads across the Arctic and subarctic tundra, forests, and mountainous regions of the northern parts of the Northern Hemisphere.

Some subspecies, like the woodland caribou, prefer the expansive boreal forests, or taigas, stretching from Alaska through Canada.

Meanwhile, mountain reindeer prefer the alpine regions. They are typically found in parts of Scandinavia, as described in an article published in Landscape Research.

Elk

Elk, by contrast, are animals of diverse terrains. They inhabit a variety of environments ranging from dense forests to open plains.

Mostly at home in forested areas, they utilize adjacent meadows and clearings. They’re commonly found in the forests of the Rocky Mountains. Yet, some choose the grasslands, like those in parts of Montana and the Dakotas.

The Roosevelt’s elk is a unique bunch, preferring the rainforests of the Pacific Northwest. While North America is their primary home, a few have ventured (or been introduced) beyond, with some making a new home in places like New Zealand. ~Source

Distribution	Reindeer	Elk
Primary Habitats	Tundras, Forests, Mountains	Forests, Grasslands, Coastal Rainforests
Native Continents	North America, Europe, Asia	North America
Domestication	Yes, in Northern Europe and Siberia	Rarely, mostly wild
Regions	Arctic and subarctic regions, Scandinavia, Russia, Canada, Alaska	Mainly Western North America, from the Rockies to the Pacific, introduced populations in New Zealand

3. Physical Appearance

Both elk and reindeer are prominent members of the deer family, but their physical attributes can be pretty unique.

Reindeer

• Size: Reindeer are medium-sized, with males usually reaching 4 feet tall and weighing 550 pounds. Females are slightly smaller.
• Antlers: Both male and female reindeer grow antlers. The antlers are broad and flat, often with multiple tines, and can be quite elaborate. Females use them primarily for foraging beneath the snow.
• Fur: Reindeer have a thick, dense coat that can vary in color from white to brown. This fur is adapted to the chilly regions they inhabit, offering insulation.
• Nose: Their nose is particularly adapted to heat the air they breathe before it reaches the lungs.
• Hooves: Reindeer have large, crescent-shaped, splayed hooves that are useful for moving in snow and soft tundra. They act like snowshoes!

Elk

• Size: Elk are one of the biggest species within the deer family. Bulls can be up to 5 feet tall, and weigh around 700 to 1,100 lbs. Whereas females, or cows, typically weigh 500 to 600 pounds and are up to 4.5 feet tall.
• Antlers: Only males have antlers, which they shed annually. These antlers can be massive, with some reaching lengths of four feet. They are more elongated and branch-like compared to the reindeer.
• Fur: Elk have a dense coat that is typically a light brown, with darker brown or even black shadings on the head, neck, and legs. Their rump patch is notably lighter, almost creamy white.
• Mane: Bulls often have a prominent mane, which is thicker and darker than the rest of their fur.
• Muzzle: Their snout is slender and elongated, distinct from the reindeer’s more compact nose. ~Source

Feature	Reindeer	Elk
Size	4 ft tall at the shoulder, 550 lbs	5 ft at the shoulder, up to 1,100 lbs
Antlers	Both sexes; broad, flat, with many tines	Males only; long, branching
Fur Color	Ranges from white to brown	Light brown with darker and lighter shadings
Special Features	Adapted nose, large splayed hooves	Prominent mane in bulls, elongated snout

4. Diet and Feeding Habits

Reindeer and elk have unique diets and feeding habits reflecting their adaptation to distinct environments.

Reindeer

• Lichens: During winter, reindeer’s primary food source is lichen, especially a type known as “reindeer moss” (which isn’t really moss but a lichen). Their digestive system contains specialized bacteria that help break down lichen, which many other herbivores can not digest.
• Shrubs & Grasses: In the summer, they switch to a varied diet, consuming various plants, including grasses, sedges, and shrubs.
• Fungi: Reindeer are also known to consume fungi, particularly during autumn.
• Others: They also feed on lemmings, fish, and bird eggs, but their diet mostly includes plant matter.

Reindeer utilize their specially adapted hooves to dig through the snow to reach their food.

Elk

• Grasses: During the warmer months, elk mainly graze on grasses.
• Woody Plants: In the winter, they switch to woody plants, including the branches, twigs, and bark of trees and shrubs.
• Forbs: During spring and early summer, elk also feed on forbs, which are flowering plants other than grasses.

They migrate to areas with more nutritious food, particularly during calving season. This ensures the best nutrition for the young. ~Montana State University

Feature	Reindeer	Elk
Primary Winter Food	Lichens	Woody plants (branches, twigs, bark)
Primary Summer Food	Grasses, sedges, shrubs	Grasses, forbs
Special Dietary Adaptation	Digestive bacteria for lichen digestion	Migrate for better nutrition during calving season
Other Foods	Fungi	Occasional fruits and nuts

5. Social Behavior

Both animals have their own social structures, habits, and behaviors crucial for their survival and breeding.

Reindeer

• Herd Life: Reindeer are highly gregarious animals, often found in large herds, especially during migrations. These herds can number in the thousands!
• Migrations: Their epic migrations are a central part of their life. These journeys are about finding food and avoiding predators, and the safety of numbers is vital.
• Maternal Bonds: Female reindeer form close-knit groups, often accompanied by their calves. ~Source

Elk

• Seasonal Herds: Elk often form herds, but these groupings are typically more pronounced during different seasons. For instance, females and their calves might form large groups during the summer, while males might form smaller bachelor groups.
• Rutting Season: Male elk become highly territorial during the mating season, known as the rut. They use their impressive antlers to spar with rivals. Their bugling calls echo across the valleys to attract females and challenge other males.
• Maternal Care: Female elk are protective mothers. They often isolate themselves to give birth and hide their calves for the first week, visiting them only to nurse.
• Migration: Similar to reindeer, some elk populations migrate, especially to reach areas with more abundant food during different seasons. ~Source

Feature	Reindeer	Elk
Herd Structure	Large herds, especially during migrations	Seasonal herds; separate male and female groupings
Mating Behavior	Males compete for females, but less aggressive than elk	Rutting season with territorial males and bugling
Mother-Offspring Bonding	Strong maternal bonds with calves	Protective mothers; hide calves after birth
Human Interaction	Domesticated by some communities	Mostly wild; some introduced populations might be habituated to humans

6. Reproduction and Lifecycle

The reproductive cycles and lifecycles of reindeer and elk also differ.

Reindeer

• Mating Season: The mating season for reindeer usually occurs during the fall, typically in late September and October.
• Competition: While male reindeer do compete for access to females, their confrontations are typically less violent than those of elk, as detailed in Animal Reproduction Science.
• Gestation and Birth: After mating, female reindeer have a gestation period of about 230 days, leading to calving in late May or early June.
• Calves: Newborn calves can stand within a few hours of birth, a vital adaptation to avoid predators. They are usually weaned by September.
• Lifespan: On average, wild reindeer live up to 10-15 years, though some domesticated ones can live longer.

Elk

• Mating Season: The rut for elk occurs in the fall, roughly between September and October.
• Competition: Male elk compete fiercely for mating rights. They engage in intense battles using their large antlers and produce haunting bugles, which serve to attract females and challenge rival males.
• Gestation and Birth: After successful mating, elk cows have a gestation period of about 240-262 days. Calves are usually born in May or June.
• Calves: Elk calves can stand soon after birth. They sport a spotted coat for camouflage against predators.
• Lifespan: Elk typically live 10 to 13 years in the wild. However, in areas with fewer natural predators or captivity, they might live up to 20 years. ~Forest Service

Feature	Reindeer	Elk
Mating Season	Fall (late September – October)	Fall (September – October)
Gestation Period	~230 days	240-262 days
Calving Time	Late May – early June	Late May – early June
Young’s Adaptation	Stand within hours, weaned by September	Stand shortly after birth, spotted coat for camouflage
Average Lifespan	10-15 years (longer if domesticated)	10-13 years (up to 20 in some conditions)

7. Natural Predators

Despite their impressive sizes both reindeer and elk have natural predators that influence their behavior, migrations, and lifecycles.

Reindeer

The gray wolf is a primary predator of reindeer. Wolves hunt in packs and can take down adult reindeer, though they often target the young or weak.

Brown bears, Mountain lions, Arctic foxes, and Coyotes also pose a threat to reindeer, particularly to young calves.

Surprisingly, golden eagles also hunt reindeer calves during their first few weeks of life.

Elk

Like reindeer, wolves are a significant predator of elk, especially in areas like Yellowstone National Park. They often target calves or older individuals.

Other predators, such as grizzlies, black bears, and mountain lions, often aim for young elk or weakened adults. Bobcats and coyotes also opportunistically hunt elk calves. ~University of Michigan

Species	Natural Predators
Reindeer	Wolves, Polar bears, brown bears, Golden eagles (to calves)
Elk	Wolves, Mountain Lions, Grizzlies, black bears, bobcats, and Coyotes (primarily for calves)

8. Defense Mechanism

Both reindeer and elk have evolved unique ways to protect themselves from potential threats.

Reindeer

• Antlers: Both males and females grow antlers, a feature unique in the deer family. These antlers can serve as formidable weapons against potential threats.
• Group Defense: Reindeer often form large herds, especially during migrations. There is safety in numbers, and a large group can deter predators.
• Speed & Stamina: Reindeer have powerful legs, capable of reaching speeds up to 50 mph in short bursts. This speed is crucial in evading faster predators like wolves.
• Camouflage: Their fur, which changes color with the seasons, helps them blend into their surroundings, especially during winter.

Elk

• Antlers: Male elk grow large and impressive antlers, which are used during the rutting season to battle rivals and can also serve as a defense against predators.
• Hooves: Strong and sharp, elk hooves can deliver powerful kicks, especially when the animal feels cornered.
• Speed: Like reindeer, elk can run at impressive speeds, capable of reaching speeds up to 45 mph in short bursts, making it difficult for many predators to catch them.
• Herding & Vigilance: Female elk and their young often stay in groups. The many eyes of the herd increase the chances of spotting a lurking predator.

Feature	Reindeer	Elk
Antlers	Both sexes have antlers, useful for defense.	Most males have large antlers for defense and competition.
Speed	50 mph	45 mph
Group Behavior	Large migrating herds	Female herds and young groupings
Camouflage	Seasonally changing fur color	Not as pronounced as reindeer but adaptive to surroundings
Vocalizations	Less pronounced in warding off predators	Bugling during the rut can deter some predators

9. Interaction With Humans

Both reindeer and elk have coexisted with humans for millennia. The way each species interacts with humans has been shaped by history, geography, and cultural practices.

Reindeer

Reindeer have been intertwined with human societies, particularly in the colder regions of the world.

• Domestication: One of the few large mammals to be domesticated by humans, reindeer have been herded by the indigenous Arctic and sub-Arctic peoples, like the Sami in Scandinavia and the Nenets in Russia, for thousands of years.
• Livelihood: These terrestrial animals are not just sources of transportation but also provide meat, milk, hides, and antlers which are used for tools, clothing, and shelter by indigenous communities.
• Cultural Significance: In certain cultures, reindeer have spiritual and symbolic importance. The most famous cultural representation worldwide is their association with Santa Claus and his sleigh during Christmas.

Elk

Elk, on the other hand, has a different history of human interaction.

• Hunting: Historically, indigenous tribes in North America relied on elk for sustenance, tools, and clothing. Modern sport hunting of elk is also popular in many parts of the U.S.
• Elk Farms: In some regions, elk are raised on farms for meat, velvet from their antlers, and other commercial purposes.
• Cultural Significance: Elk holds cultural and spiritual significance for many indigenous tribes. They’re symbols of strength, agility, freedom, and the wilderness.

Feature	Reindeer	Elk
Domestication	Widely domesticated in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions.	Mostly wild, but some are farmed
Use by Humans	Meat, milk, hides, transportation, antlers	Meat, hides, antlers, and in some places, elk velvet
Cultural Significance	Integral to many Arctic cultures, Santa’s sleigh	Significant to indigenous tribes; a symbol of the wilderness
Recreational Interaction	Limited to some tourism in the Arctic regions	Sport hunting and wildlife viewing in natural parks

10. Threats and Conservation Status

Both reindeer and elk, like many wildlife species, face many challenges in the modern world.

Reindeer

Reindeer are well-adapted to their Arctic and sub-Arctic homes. Still, they are not immune to the rapid changes happening in their environments, as detailed by the World Wildlife Fund. Their populations declined due to:

• Climate Change
• Oil, gas, and mining developments
• Overharvesting.

As reported by the IUCN Red List, the conservation status of reindeer is “Vulnerable”..

Elk

Elk, once roaming vast stretches of North America and parts of East Asia, have seen their territories shrink and populations fluctuate. Their populations are at risk of:

• Habitat Loss
• Overhunting
• Diseases like Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)

Many elk populations have rebounded due to dedicated conservation and reintroduction efforts. They’re typically classified as “Least Concern” by the IUCN, but localized populations may face more significant threats.

Feature	Reindeer	Elk
Major Threats	Climate change, industrial development, overharvesting	Habitat loss, historic overhunting, disease
Conservation Status	Ranges from “Vulnerable” to “Least Concern”	Generally, “Least Concern,” but some local populations at risk

Wrapping Up

So, are Reindeer and Elk the same? Definitely not! While both are members of the deer family, they’ve distinct features and habitats.

Adapted to Arctic climates, Reindeer are recognized for their migrations and friendly nature. Both male and female reindeer have antlers. Conversely, Elk are larger and predominantly reside in North America and parts of Asia. Only male elk showcase those magnificent antlers. Their behaviors, size, and even the regions they inhabit set them apart.

We hope this article has helped you differentiate between the two deer species. Next time you spot one of these animals, you will have a clearer idea of who’s who in the deer world!