Irish elk

The Irish Elk was one of the largest species of deer to have ever lived, roaming across Europe, Asia, and North Africa during the Pleistocene Epoch. Despite its name, it was not an elk but a member of the deer family (Cervidae). It is best known for its massive antlers, which could span up to 3.6 meters (12 feet) across, making them the largest antlers of any known deer species.


Standing about 2.1 meters (7 feet) tall at the shoulder and weighing 450–600 kg (990–1,320 lbs), the Irish Elk was a formidable herbivore that thrived in open woodlands and grasslands. It primarily fed on a diet of grasses, leaves, and shrubs, much like modern deer.


The species went extinct around 7,700 years ago, likely due to a combination of climate change, habitat loss, and human hunting. As forests expanded at the end of the Ice Age, the large antlers may have become a disadvantage, making it harder for the Irish Elk to navigate dense woodlands and find food efficiently.


Fossils of the Irish Elk have been found extensively in Ireland, where the alkaline bogs helped preserve many skeletons, leading to its popular name. Today, its impressive remains can be seen in museums worldwide, reminding us of this incredible prehistoric giant.